Joseph J. Pecoraro, retired barber

Joseph J. Pecoraro, 88 of Bethany Beach, formerly of Silver Spring, Md., passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

He was born in Newark, N.J. May 6, 1923, son of the late Tobio and Assunta (Bartholmeis) Pecoraro.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands during World War II.  After his discharge from the service, he became a self-employed barber, retiring in 1988.  Joe enjoyed bowling and was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the CHEER Center in Ocean View.  However, Joe’s passion was his family; he was deeply devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mildred (Pacelli) Pecoraro; a son, Joseph A. Pecoraro and his wife Charlene of West Friendship, Md.; a daughter, Joann Pecoraro of Pauley, S.C.; and three grandchildren, Danielle, Olivia and Blake Pecoraro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, where friends and family may visit after 10 a.m.  Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Joe’s name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.