Joseph Richard Kossek

Joseph Richard Kossek, age 83, passed away gracefully after a brief illness on May 8, 2025. 

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Joe graduated from St. Elizabeth’s School.  He attended St. Elizabeth’s from first through twelfth grade, and he was one of only five boys admitted to the school at the time.  Joe relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1972, where he and his first wife, now deceased, Rita (Sietz) Kossek raised their two sons. Joe and Rita met in Germany where Joe was stationed during the Cold War, serving in the U.S. Army as part of the 3rd Armored Division, or Spearhead.  Dutiful and proud to his core, Joe completed his time in the military and received an Honorable Discharge in 1967.  His career as a mechanic included time at Anchor Motor Freight, Leaseway, and Rollins, from which he retired in 2007

Preceded in death by his parents Frank Kossek and Helen (Artysiewicz) Kossek and his brother Francis (Joan) Kossek of Lewes, Delaware, Joe also recently lost his son Alan (Vicki) Kossek of Tobaccoville, NC. His beloved beagle, Bandit, who could often be seen sprinting across the yard with a stolen aluminum roasting pan, yanked from a neighbor’s garbage can, in his mouth, as well, precedes him.

The circle of light Joe leaves behind is bright and varied. He is survived by his kind, dedicated wife of thirty-seven years, Elaine Greggo of Townsend, DE; his son Joseph (Amy) Kossek of Tobaccoville, NC; Elaine’s children: Terry (Ryan) Manucci of Wilmington, DE; his goddaughter Dr. Melanie J. (Andy) Malinowski of Houston, TX; and Christopher (Chrissy) Malinowski of Elkton, MD.  Joe’s legacy extends into his and Elaine’s grandchildren: Megan Thompson of Charleston, WV; Joshua Kossek of Concord, NC; Dustin Manucci of Wilmington, DE; Cassidy Manucci of Wilmington, DE; and Echo Malinowski-Cunningham of Claremont, CA. Further, his and Elaine’s great-grandchildren survive as a testament to a life lived long and rich: Jalen, Isaac, and Alyza Thompson of Charleston, WV; and Cash Manucci of Wilmington, DE.  Finally, Joe is survived by his adoring brother James “Jimmy” (Joanne) Kossek of Wilmington, DE, with whom he loved to fish, to chat, and with whom he simply loved to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. 

Joe loved working with his hands and could often be found tinkering in the garage on his tool bench, refinishing furniture, gardening, riding his tractor, and doing house reparations.  He loved the Eagles, Phillies, and Penn State, and spent many years proudly following his grandson Joshua’s car racing career.  But Joe’s favorite activity was fishing!  He cherished his boat, and even if it were rainy or chilly or summertime hot, Joe preferred to be out on a body of water fishing with his brothers!

Joe appreciated a good cup of coffee, bottle of root beer, strip of bacon, Elaine’s fried chicken, and any of her delicious baked goods.  A simple man, Joe readily sat at the dining table and listened as the children and grandchildren told stories, played games, made messes, and lit a fire in any room.  Yet he especially appreciated and adored Elaine, for her special love and care for him sustained him.

One of Joe’s greatest strengths, though, was his ability to bear witness, silently and lovingly, to the flurry of activity indigenous to the household whenever Elaine’s children and grandchildren arrived.  Seated in his easy chair, a bowl of chocolates nearby, an old movie or a football game on the television, he seemed to absorb the noise and laughter then to join in on every festivity, every homecooked meal, every birthday, wedding, and birth, as a keen observer.  Joe never said much, but the quietness in his eyes and his love for Elaine rippled throughout the family.  He will be missed by all who knew him, for he was a cherished member of several families.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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