Joseph E. "Joe" Brynes Jr.

Joseph "Joe" E. Brynes Jr., age 72, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born in Wilmington, DE to the late Joseph and Helena (Palmer) Brynes Sr. Joe was a lifelong resident of New Castle, DE.

After graduating from William Penn High School, Joe was employed by Manor Ace Hardware, eventually becoming manager. He was awingly known as the "Hardware God". He obtained this moniker due to his seemingly endless knowledge of all things hardware. Novice and even seasoned DIYers benefited from his expertise. After 30 years at Manor, he became the manager of Schoolside Apartments in New Castle for 15 years. The residents probably would not have referred to him as the "Apartment God", because he ran a tight ship. In time, tenants grew to respect his fairness and the owners appreciated his dedication.

As a teenager, Joe developed a passion for muscle cars the sportier and faster the better. He fancied himself as a would-be race car driver, but he actually was a talented speedster. He spoke about his treasured 1970 Roadrunner for years after the fact. Anyone riding with him, definitely needed to fasten their seat belt. Fortunately, for his wife, he did ease his foot off the gas pedal in later years.

He loved gathering with friends at his local hangout for good conversation, laughs, and libations. With his love of history, Joe was an unofficial tour guide of his beloved Old New Castle for anyone who was interested. He had an interest in photography and woodworking, giving his novel creations as gifts. He had a love for travel with trips to China, Egypt, multiple European countries, and countless U.S. states, including Alaska. Joe was a trivia and Jeopardy whiz dumbfounding anyone who was seated near him.

Joe may not have been perfect, but he was an exceptional man. He had a quick wit and could make anyone laugh. He was many things to many people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Hey Joe, we could use some better weather down here…see what you can do about it!

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Regina (Brynes) Anton and brother-in-law, Robert Anton; and another brother-in-law, Martin Ingram. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gail (Vodvarka) Brynes; brother, John; sisters, Helen Ingram and Cathy Parks (Jimmy); sisters-in-law, Bonnie Vodvarka, Joanna Vodvarka (Gene McLaughlin); many nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends. He was dedicated to his family and could be counted on by all his loved ones.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 1 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 1 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here; or to a No Kill animal shelter of their choice.