Joseph J. "Joe" Trala, Jr.

Joseph J. “Joe” Trala, Jr., age 86, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Joe was born in Wilmington, DE on May 10, 1938. He spent his early years proudly serving the U.S. Army for four years. Following his years in the military, he spent his time as a carpenter under many businesses, and was there for anyone who needed help, and ending his career through the State of Delaware. Joe was quite talented at working with his hands and could build anything that he was asked without a second thought. In his free time, he loved camping with his family and friends, bowling, golfing, cheering on the Eagles, and creating memories with his loved ones. A friend to the community, Joe (“Poppa T”) was a member of the Knights of Columbus who always took every opportunity to help others. Following retirement, Joe enjoyed cheering on his kids and grandkids at all of their sporting events, no matter the distance. His most cherished memories were made at family gatherings with loved ones. His dedication to his faith, love for God, and the church was one of the many things that described him as an individual. There are no words to express the depth of the loss of Joe. He was a man of immense strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. He touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him and crossed paths with him. While his loved ones are heartbroken, they find comfort in knowing that he is now with the love of his life, their mom and mommom, Philomena. They are reunited once again, and though they will miss him deeply, they find peace in the thought that they are together and the memories they hold in their hearts with them. The lessons he imparted, the love that he gave, and the way he lived his life with grace and kindness will continue to guide and inspire them every day. His legacy lives on in all of them, and they will carry his spirit in their hearts forever. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate, Philomena J. (Vignola) Trala; his parents, Joseph J. Trala Sr. and Mary (Wierzbicki) Trala; and his sister, Patty Ann Drummond. He is survived by his proud children, Joseph Trala III (Christine Caruso) of Middletown, Deborah Breen (Michael) of Middletown, Richard Trala (Susan) of Newark, and Tammy Pritt (Kenneth) of New Castle. He is also survived by his proud siblings, Mary McDaniel of Elkton, MD and Tom Trala (Diane) of Bear. Finally, he is also survived by his proud grandchildren, Joey, Alicia, Jordan, Mackenzie, Michael, Jimmy, Ashlee, and Hailee, and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s family is kindly asking that a donation may be made in Joe’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or online by clicking here.

Joseph J. "Joe" Trala, Jr.

May 10, 1938 - April 2, 2025