Joseph L. Hoynoski, Sr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Pop and patriarch, Joseph L. Hoynoski Sr. of Wilmington, Delaware. After succumbing to a sudden onset of illness, he passed away on the morning of July 21, 2025, just a few months before his 90th birthday. Joe Sr. confronted his illness as he did with everything in his life: with unwavering determination, undeterred willpower and a “yes I can” attitude. We are overwhelmed with grief.

Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Diane Lois Dugan Hoynoski, and his two sisters Alfreda (Jack) Beers and Alberta (Vincent) Gardner. His daughter-in-law Cynthia (Joseph Jr.) Hoynoski, and grandson Robert M. Hoynoski.

Joe Sr. was born in Philadelphia to Joseph C. Hoynoski and Mary “Anna” Malinski. The family moved to Croydon, Pennsylvania where he resided for 73 years before relocating to Delaware.

In 1951, at the age of 17, Joe enlisted into the army during the Korean war. He was an infantry soldier then transferred to artillery gunner. He ascended rank to Sergeant. Not content, Joe decided paratrooper was for him. Though unconventional, his request for transfer was granted. After Joe graduated from jump school he was assigned to the elite 82nd Airborne Division. The 82nd is the core of the Army’s Immediate Response Force. Nicknamed the “All American Division” the 82nd wear the distinguished red and white double A.

In late 1953 Joe was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart.

During Joe’s recent illness he was a patient at the Veterans Hospital, Wilmington. Through his stay, there was a constant barrage from staff of “what branch did you serve in” or “in what capacity.” Pop would unassumingly answer 82nd Airborne or paratrooper. The reaction he received was remarkable. Eyes would light up with complete admiration and excitement would fill his room. From Doctor to volunteer, young or old, they were in awe. These brave men and women were from all branches of the military, many had seen combat. They were proud and honored to meet an 89 year-old decorated war veteran. They knew what it took to make paratrooper in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, and the questions would fly. It was wonderful to watch. His service and sacrifice were not forgotten. Their respect and admiration had rekindled his spirit and that was beautiful to see.

After discharge Joe returned to Croydon and joined the workforce that was building the Pennsylvania/New Jersey Turnpike bridge. Joe also became a union member in the Teamsters. In 1956 Joe married his childhood sweetheart, Diane Lois Dugan from Bristol. “She was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Her unwavering love and support kept him going. By 1958 Joe and Diane’s family had grown with two small children.

Joe Sr. had a resolute work ethic. He never quit and he never stopped. He delivered Oil for Meenan of Bristol, masonry and hardscaping products for Eddington Supply Bensalem. Not content, he moved on to entrepreneur and started a successful lunch truck service. FOUR STAR Lunch Service. Diane made the food, wrapped the sandwiches, and brewed the coffee. Joe delivered. His business expanded with the YANKEE DOODLE DELI. By 1968 Diane had wrapped her last tuna-fish on white and Pop poured his last cup of coffee. Joe and Diane were done done done with the service industry.

Joe moved on to driving for the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in Bristol. He had worked for the company 27 years when it closed its doors. He started driving for Consolidated Freight. Eventually, Joe retired. So he moved on to a part-time job delivering auto parts for Berrodin in Bensalem. Joe transferred to Berrodin in Claymont, Delaware when he moved here. Due to health reasons Joe finally had to give up working, he was 85 years old. He loved his job and the friends he had made. It was hard for him to leave that job. He kept in touch with some of the guys. That meant a lot to him.

Joe was an amazing “Jack of all Trades.” He was zealous in learning the “how to” of anything and then making it happen. Plumbing, electric, building, carpentry, masonry. He purchased a cabin shell on the top of a mountain in upstate PA and transformed it into a vacation home.

Joe was the quintessential outdoorsman. He loved camping down the shore or up in the mountains. He was dedicated to hunting and fishing and excelled at both. He never missed a season. He was still deer hunting in the fall of 2024 and still fishing by himself in May of 2025. He taught his hunting and fishing skills to his son, grandsons, and great grandsons.

Any question we had about anything we knew what to do “ask Pop, he’ll know.” “Go ask Pop.” “Call Pop.” “Show Pop.” “Tell Pop.” “See Pop.” Pop always had the answer. He was like a human “YouTube.” He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry. He made roll top desks, regular desks, grandfather clocks, chairs, benches, and a plethora of diverse tables. Dog houses, shoe shine boxes, plastic bag holders and an assortment of bird houses. All of us have an “Original by JLH.” He loved the color red. Through the years he had red trucks, a red motorcycle, a red sparkle speedboat, and a red electric guitar. He liked music, country music, and only country music.

Pop’s passing is overwhelming. He still had plans for projects, dates for hunting trips, and new fishing holes to explore. He loved life. His mind and spirit wanted to keep on living. He was present and active in all of our lives. He was our “go to.” Now his chair is empty. The head of the table is empty. His cell phone is dark. His guitar is silent.

We will remember all that he has taught us, the memories that we shared, the stories that he told, and the comfort that we felt knowing he was always there for us.

Joseph is survived by his brother John Hoynoski; children, Joseph L. (late wife Cynthia) Hoynoski, Jr., and daughter, Patricia L. Hill; grandchildren Lisa (Brian) Creegan, Joseph L. (Melanie) Hoynoski, III; and nine great-grandchildren, Brandon, Sean, Liam, Kiersten, Brianna, Charlotte, Joseph IV, Robert Jr. and Ian.

Services will be held on August 5, 2025 at: Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007
Viewing hours: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Service: 11:30AM – 12N

Burial Services: 1:00PM
Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940