Joseph A. Hackling Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph A. Hackling, Jr. on November 3, 2025, at the age of 81 years following a long battle with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy.
Joe was born on November 22, 1943, in Newark, NJ. He graduated from Central High School where he played football as the team's Center. Following graduation, Joe joined the United States Air Force and retired after 20 years of service. Among the many places he was stationed was Thailand where he flew surveillance missions during the Vietnam War.
After retiring from the Air Force with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, Joe worked in the aircraft industry. He moved to Delaware in 1984 and worked for Summit Aviation in Middletown, DE. He was known for his easy-going personality and his ever-present sense of humor.
Joe loved bowling and achieved several 300 perfect games and 800 series. He enjoyed Christmas decorating and gift giving. Joe was also a huge fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies.
Joe resided at the Kentmere Nursing Home for nearly two years until his passing. We are grateful to the staff for the care they provided Joe.
Joe was predeceased by his father, Joseph A. Hackling Sr; his mother, Ruth Roberts Hackling; brother David Hackling, sister-in-law Linda Hackling and his former wife, Sheryl Hackling.
He is survived by his partner of 40 years, Joan Coll, his daughters Laurie Wry (Jeff) of Overland Park, KS, Patricia Hacking of Houston, TX, granddaughter Emily Wry, sister Shirley Hackling, brother Ronald Hackling, sister-in-law Barbara Hackling and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Joan's daughter Cheryl Wiercinksi (Stan), sons John Coll (Judy), Daniel Coll (Lori), Brian Coll (Andrea) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Interment will be held on Friday November 21, 2025, at the Delaware Memorial Veteran's Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd, Bear, DE 19701 at 11:00am. Following internment, a memorial luncheon will be held at Schaefer's Canal House located at 208 Bank Street, Chesapeake City, MD 21915.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be made in Joe's name to the PSP & CBD Foundation https://pspcbdfoundation.org/honor/