Joseph Louis Verdi

Joseph Louis Verdi, 74, passed away unexpectedly in Naples, Florida on Sunday, May 6, 2018.  Born in Brooklyn, New York on February 27, 1944, he was one of four sons of the late Louis and Anna (Ciccarelli) Verdi.  Joe was a former resident of Hockessin, Delaware and was currently residing in Elkton, Maryland.

A veteran of the United States Army, Joe proudly served our country during the Vietnam War.  Following his honorable discharge from military service, Joe enjoyed working in diverse fields throughout his life.  He taught special education, served on the New York City Police Department for 22 years, and was a scuba diving instructor.  As a passionate sports enthusiast, he was happy to have worked for New Castle County Sports and Athletics Department and was instrumental in developing many athletic camps during the summer months.  He also coached the Absalom Jones Center afterschool basketball program, and was faithfully active with the Hockessin Athletic Club and the Police Athletic League.  Joe was an avid fan of skiing, and in his younger years, played minor league baseball, having been drafted to the Detroit Tigers and transferred to the New York Yankees until an injury ended his baseball career.

Joe will be dearly missed by his wife of 36 years, Janice (Roe) Verdi; his children, Nicole Mitchell and husband, Jimmy, Janine Verdi, Kristen Edelman and husband, Josh, Michael Verdi and fiancée, Melissa, Kim-Marie Riley and husband, Thomas, Erica Verdi, Christina Ferguson and husband, Christopher; his grandchildren, Louis, Samantha, Sophia, Ryan, Dominick, Nicholas; his brothers, Stephen Verdi and wife, Jeanie, Mark Verdi and fiancée, Michelle.  Joe will also be missed by his beloved “1A”, his dog Daisy.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Friday, May 11 from 3:00-7:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Hedwig Church, 408 S. Harrison Street, Wilmington on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00AM.  Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to the New Castle County Sports and Athletics Office, James H. Gilliam Building, 77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720.

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