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Joseph Michael Grogan, our legend

February 10, 2018

Joseph Grogan of Lewes, affectionately known as Joe (Pop, PopPop or Chief), was surrounded by loved ones and passed over into the loving arms of the heavenly angels Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.

Joe, 87, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the youngest of five children, son of proud Irish immigrants Thomas and Catherine Grogan (nee Bergin). He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. Upon being honorably discharged, he started his career in public service as a New York City police officer, transferring into the fire department of New York in 1956, where admirably, after 30 years, he retired at the rank of captain.

After 56 years of marriage, he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy (nee Plunkett). Joe and Nancy raised their family in Seaford, Long Island, N.Y., retired and moved to Lewes in 1995, as well as spending every winter enjoying their tropical paradise in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Joe had a passion for the ocean, as did his wife and children, and a love for the beach, boating and fishing.

Joe, a devoted Roman Catholic, was a faithful parishioner of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes. Joe was a humble, quiet man who loved very deeply, especially his beloved and family. He had a contagious sense of humor that illuminated wit and charm, with a "wee" bit of shenanigans. He was proud of his heritage and country, greatly admired for his stoic strength, unwavering faith, dignity and honor. Our hero, Our legacy.

He will be so sadly missed by his adoring children, Joseph Grogan and wife Tina, Deirdre Grogan and fiancé Jeffery Smith, Joanne and husband Lloyd Harlow, and Thomas Grogan and wife Michele. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren, Katelyn Mensing, Thomas Grogan and fiancée Elizabeth Dominguez, Tara and husband Chris Zapp, Deanna Mensing, Raelynn Grogan, Sean Grogan, Aislinn and Liam Stabner, Joseph, Frank, Anthony and Vincent Grogan; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary Burgin, Vera Mensing and Jordan Zapp, including friends, extended family, several nieces and nephews, here, in Ireland, and elsewhere abroad.

The family extends their deepest gratitude for the love and care of Joe provided by the nurses, CNAs and staff at Safe Harbor, at Cadbury Senior Lifestyles, Lewes.

A Funeral Mass will be held at noon, Thursday, Feb. 15, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. Visitation and burial will be held privately for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, prayers and donations are suggested in Joe's honor to the following: Alzheimer's Foundation of America (322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001), info@alzfdn.org, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, www.delawarehospice.org.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services Inc., Milton.

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