Joseph Nicholas Stephano

Joseph Nicholas Stephano passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Born on November 13, 1953 at Wilmington General Hospital, Joe is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Edith Stephano and his sisters JoAnn Young and Jean Scalessa. He is survived by his sisters Connie Dallas and Mary Jane McInnis; numerous nieces and nephews; and cousins both here and in Italy.
Joe's formal education began at St. Elizabeth's under the loving guidance and training of the Benedictine Sisters. At Salesianum High School, Music Director Fr. John Spragg OSFS, nurtured this musically-gifted student in the school bands and on stage in the school's musical productions, most notably in the role of George M. Cohan in "George M" and as Tony in "West Side Story". His creativity captivated the audience at the annual Variety Show where he performed the Quartet from the Opera "Rigoletto" by himself, comically and artfully covering all four roles!! Joe then attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC where he studied foreign languages before re-connecting with music and earning a bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from The Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts.
After college Joe continued his studies, earning a Master's degree in Italian from The Catholic University of America. With degree in hand, he was able to dig deep into the roots of his Italian heritage becoming increasingly drawn to the beauty of the Italian culture. Joe was an instructor at foreign language schools in the DC area where his students--so beguiled by his passion, humor, intelligence and inimitable teaching style--went on to become friends for life!
Joe then combined his expertise in languages and his sharp communication skills at Thomas Cook/American Express Travel (World Bank) where he was awarded most entertaining and loved supervisor, famous for being "so supportive of his subordinates and always treating them with the utmost respect."
As retirement years approached, Joe maintained youthful energy: exercising, meeting new people, and dancing in the studios of The First State Ballet Theatre under the masterful artistry of Maestro Pasha.
Easily commanding attention through his creative energy, Uncle Joe was bigger than life. He made the ordinary spectacular and magical for his nieces and nephews: marbles on the basement floor turned into fierce Olympic games! and a circle of family members on the beach a corps de ballet! He was a master comedian, counselor and spiritual guide.
Joe cared about the eternal well-being of his sisters, nieces and nephews--instructing each one that leading a Christian life and going to heaven is more important than any other goal. This he learned at the feet of his Mother, whom he honored and cherished above all.
He was like an ambassador for heaven. We will miss him so much.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Thursday, October 24 from 5:00 – 7:00PM. A Latin Requiem Mass will be offered at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 1414 N. King Street, Wilmington on Friday, October 25 at 10:00AM. The interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington on Monday, October 28 at 9:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to St. Patrick Parish, 1414 King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or St. Elizabeth Parish, 809 S. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.
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