Joseph E. Hannas Jr.

Joseph E. Hannas, Jr., age 93, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joe was the son of the late Joseph E. Hannas, Sr. and Jane E. (Finegan) Hannas. He graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys in June 1950 before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1954. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

Joe dedicated his career to horticulture, working at Mt. Cuba Center and later at Longwood Gardens, where he served as a greenhouse manager for 36 years. His love of gardening extended beyond his profession and remained one of his greatest passions throughout his life.

A devout Catholic, Joe attended Mass faithfully and was deeply committed to serving others through his involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Delaware Right to Life. He found joy in music, gardening, and, above all, spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Joan A. (Farnsworth) Hannas, and his second wife, Irene Mattle.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Phillips of Quarryville, Pennsylvania; his granddaughter, Stefanie R. Davis of Nottingham, Pennsylvania; and his great-granddaughter, Allena Bella Davis of Nottingham, Pennsylvania.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. Denis Cemetery, 2401 St. Denis Lane, Havertown, PA 19083.

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