Joseph M. Viscuglia, devoted husband, father

Joseph M. Viscuglia, 74, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, unexpectedly passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. 

Joe was born in Wilmington March 27, 1951, to his parents Joseph and Theresa Viscuglia. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children Julia (Mike) and Joey (Sarah); grandchildren Jessica (Ludovick), Jordan and Vinnie; and great-granddaughter, Vera. He is predeceased by his parents, and great-grandmother, Julia Tampenella. Joe is also survived by his many in-laws, The Parsons, whom he considered his own true family.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Joe graduated from Fletcher Brown Technical High School in June of 1969, with emphasis on machine shop studies. He went on to work for the City of Wilmington Traffic Department as the maintenance foreman for over 40 years.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman. Although his pursuits included deer and duck hunting, his absolute passion was fishing in the ocean, on The Julie’s Joy, his vessel of 40 years, on the local ponds or even just at his favorite corner spot at White House Beach.

Joe notably won Rick’s Bait and Tackle Shop’s first annual fishing tournament and spent as much time on the water as he could. If he wasn’t catching fish, he enjoyed riding his golf cart around White House Beach, visiting with friends and neighbors of the community. He was a caring person, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He lit up around his grandchildren and was a loyal husband for 52 years. Friends and family would lovingly describe Joe as stubborn and independent. Whether it was the type of bait he fished with or his morning routine, he was a creature of habit. He never forgot to call on a birthday, and he will certainly never be forgotten.

Joe's Celebration of Life with a gathering to reflect on memories and share stories of him will be begin at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, followed by a service at 11 a.m.

lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Tournament to sponsor a child’s participation in Joe’s honor.