Joseph Francis Seay, retired accountant
Joseph Francis Seay, 82, of Lewes, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.
Joe was born Aug. 5, 1943, at St. Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Travis and Catherine Seay. He was raised in Burlington, N.J., and graduated in 1961 from Holy Cross High School, a proud member of the school’s very first graduating class. He went on to earn an associate’s degree in accounting, a field that suited his steady, dependable nature.
Throughout his working years, Joe was known for his strong work ethic and commitment. He was employed by Playtex and Dover Downs before finishing his career at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, where he later retired. No matter where he worked, Joe valued routine, responsibility, and all things numbers.
In his younger years, Joe embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoyed fishing, playing tennis, bowling, and dancing at the Sheraton, where he created many joyful memories. Joe was an avid fan of movies and loved watching both live and televised sports. In his later years, he often helped his wife Rosie deliver meals for the Milford Meals on Wheels organization. He also found comfort and community at Excel Care, where he enjoyed participating in arts and crafts and chair exercising. Above all, he treasured time with his family and especially loved playing Dominoes, eating pizza, and drinking Pepsi during get-togethers – moments filled with laughter and connection that will be remembered fondly.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leonilda “Rose” Seay, who became an angel in 2021; his brothers, Travis and Lee; and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Harris.
He is survived by his stepson, David Shuttleworth and his wife Sharon of Collegeville, Pa.; stepson, Dean Shuttleworth and his wife Stephanie of Lewes; stepdaughter, Dawn Everhart and her husband Gary of St. Leonard, Md.; son, Joseph Seay Jr. and his wife Sally of Marlborough, Mass.; and son, Michael Seay and his wife Megan of Medford, N.J. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob, Riley, Logan, Jessica, Dawson, Liam, Ethan, Catherine, Trey, Oliver, Bennett and Vera, and a cherished great-grandfather to Nora. Joe is also survived by his sister, Lillian Schoen; his brothers, Paul and John Seay; and many nieces and nephews, who will remember him fondly.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 9, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Family and friends can visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Graveside service to follow at 1 p.m., at Sharon Hill Cemetery in Dover.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 207, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Visit Joe's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
