Joseph R. Truitt Jr.

Joseph R. Truitt, Jr., age 89, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away at Christiana Hospital on February 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Wilmington to the late Margaret (Brynner) and Joseph R. Truitt, Sr., Joseph graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1955 and later earned an arts degree from the Philadelphia College of Art. He served honorably in the Army National Guard. A gifted and resourceful craftsman, he approached every challenge with curiosity and skill, whether lock picking, safe cracking, home improvement, or construction. He built both a beach house and a solar home in Delaware, reflecting his creativity, determination, and lifelong love of making things with his own hands.

Joseph was a devoted and caring father who was always ready to help his family, neighbors, and anyone in need. Known for his quick wit, warm personality, and easy way with people, he served his community as president of the Richardson Park Civic Association and as a member of the Wilmington Rotary Club. For more than thirty years, he worked at George D. Hanby Office Furniture Store, rising to Executive Manager of Sales and providing office systems to many of Delaware’s major businesses and banks.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean Long Truitt; his children, Joseph R. III, Jeffrey, Stacy, Sara, and Peter; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Cathy, Patricia, Barbara, and John. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.