Joseph Paul “Joe” Hama

Joseph Paul “Joe” Hama, age 80, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Hazleton, PA on July 4, 1938, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Helen (Sokol) Hama, Sr. Joe graduated from Black Creek Township High School in Weston, PA. Following graduation he enlisted with the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country from 1960 ““ 1962. Joe later enlisted with the U.S. National Guard. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Chrysler where he devoted 35 years of dedicated service.

In his earlier years, Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime NASCAR and Yankees fan. Joe will always be remembered as a loving and supportive husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather who always put his family first.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Irene Barnhart and Helen Hama. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marie E. Hama; children, Philip Hama (Sue) of Middletown, Sharlene Cannon (Charles Cady) of Pawcatuck, CT and Karen Hama of Wilmington; grandchildren, William Cannon (Christine), Kyle Cannon (Amy Casalvera) and Rachael Hama; great grandchildren, Brianna and Bentley Cannon; sisters, Johanna Wagner (Lewis) of Wilmington and Loretta Zienkiewicz of Shenandoah, PA; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation of family and friends will be held from 10 am until 10:45 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE, 19713, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to Seasons Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713, Penn Medicine, Mesothelioma Patient Care Fund, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 (Joe Hama in memo line) or Holy Family R.C. Church at the address listed above.