Joe Faccenda
JOE FACCENDA, age 67, died Monday, February 13, 2023 after a long, courageous, and valiant battle against cancer. Born in Wilmington, DE and raised in Kennett Square, PA, Joe spent all of his adult life in or around Newark, DE. Joe and his wife Ann lovingly and proudly built a home (in four different houses) for the original Faccenda Four in their beloved First State.
Joe loved living. He lived his life to the fullest, with no regrets and with a tremendous amount of intelligence, humor and humility. His life was comprised of a series of great achievements, well-made decisions, and quiet moments of satisfaction. Joe was an athlete his whole life – a swimmer and a triathlete. As much as he loved participating in sports, he equally loved watching ALL sports. He was a devoted Phillies and 76ers fan, but he was an avid NY Jets fan, all thanks to Joe Namath and Super Bowl III. Passionately loyal to the end, Joe will be chanting J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets forever.
Any thoughts and memories of Joe must include water… chlorinated and salted. Joe was connected to pools and swimming nearly all his life. Swim teams and swimming were his avocation… as a daily exerciser, as a competitor, as a coach, as a volunteer, and as a proud father cheering on his swimming sons. As for the salted water… the beach was his happy place for sure. The Faccenda Four vacationed in their beloved Bethany Beach every summer for decades. That tradition continued as Faccenda Party-of-Six and continues as Faccenda Party-of-Nine.
Joe’s childhood was an idyllic one on Ridge Avenue, comprised of the best and most loving family, the start of literally life-long friendships, lots of swimming, music, summers at the pool, and delicious homecooked meals. As Valedictorian of Kennett High School Class of 1974, Joe studied and learned, but found a lot of time to have fun and develop his diverse and deep love for music. From marching band to Springsteen concerts, music was infused into Joe’s life every day. Joe’s success at Kennett High School led him to the site of the start of an incredible life… Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Two Cornell University degrees (with high honors) – Bachelor of Science in OR/IE Engineering and Masters of Engineering – were among Joe’s greatest achievements and greatest sources of pride.
Joe loved his career and his profession; he loved to work. His work gave him energy and kept his brilliant mind brilliant. He was an Operations Research Engineer/Scientist from the get-go. He consulted with businesses and designed systems concerning Supply Chain long before it was a thing. Joe was able to provide his extreme intelligence, incredible skill set, and vast knowledge to many fortunate companies throughout his career – DuPont, Chesapeake Decision Sciences, Aspen Technology, CSC, and FMC. He ended his career by owning his own consulting firm – JMDA (Joe Michael David Ann) Solutions. His primary client with JMDA was DuPont. Joe was so proud and honored to have had his career come full circle.
Beyond the education and career start that Cornell gave him, Cornell opened the door to a most blessed family life. Joe met his one-and-only during Ann’s Freshmen Orientation Week at Cornell. They forged a solid friendship almost immediately, and realized they were each other’s life partners by the end of that school year. It was, from that time to forever, Joe and Ann – Ann and Joe. Joe sacrificed watching football on Sunday, November 23, 1980 to marry “the best thing that ever happened to him.” Ann often told him and others that her life began the day she met, and certainly the day she married, Joe. The charmed life that Joe and Ann began was further blessed by the hands-down, most incredible sons ever, David and Michael. All together they were The Faccenda Four, and as such they couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful life. Joe was passionate about sports, music, and his work, but nothing compared to the love, pride, and passion he felt for his beloved family.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Robert Dominic Faccenda and Rita Barbuto Faccenda. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Ann of Newark, DE; his sons David (Lindsay) of Hockessin, DE and Michael (Valari) of Westfield, NJ; his three precious granddaughters Emilia, Mylah, and Ryleigh; his sister Maryann Simmons (Robert) of Rye, NY, and brother Robert D. Faccenda, Jr. (Deborah); many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and in-heart relatives; and an innumerable number of dear friends.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Joe’s Life Service on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 am, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home (121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE 19711).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Western Family YMCA
2600 Capitol Trail
Newark, DE 19711
Please note in the memo line of the check, “In honor of Joe Faccenda.”
Online donations can be made through this link:
https://donate.ymcade.org/give/469389/#!/donation/checkout
Kevin Fenton
Faccenda family,
It a pleasure and honor to have known Joe. I first met Joe in 1989 when I joined the Artificial Intelligence Task Force at DuPont and learned all about MIMI. Joe was a kind and gentle man and even though we both went separate ways from DuPont we engaged at many points in our careers at many different clients. My sympathies at this time.
Susan P Urwin
Dear Ann,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the empty space that is left in all the places Joe occupied in your life. My heart is heavy for you, and l pray the comfort that only God can give for you.
Barbara Farmer
We send our deepest sympathy to the Faccenda Family.
Your “love bond” is admirable and a blessing. It will go on beyond the veil of life and will live on within all of you as you continue your journey together.
Barbara & Cliff Farmer
Patti Root
Dear Ann and Family,
I can’t imagine the hole that has been left in your hearts with Joe’s passing. Rest assured that he has left you physically, but will remain with you spiritually, especially through your three precious granddaughters.
My deepest sympathy,
Patti Root
Nancy Rosaio
Ann, am so sorry for you and your family. What an incredible loss. Please know that I am thinking about you and have you in my prayers.
Suzanne & Bob Galbo
Our dearest friend Ann and David & Michael…our hearts are heavy as we hear the news of the passing of Joe…our memories together are often remembered with Joe and Bob talking sports and Ann and I chatting about kids…it’s where we began our family life and we will treasure those days forever…our thoughts and pears are with you all…and we send love from your old friends The Galbo’s 💗💗💗
Terry Furst
Dave,
We are so sorry to hear of your father’s death. We send our deepest sympathy to all of the Faccenda family and friends, who will greatly miss him. We hope that all the happy times of the past, keep him close to your heart. Sending much love your way.
Love,
Terry and John
Walt Northrup
Yes, I’m still alive after a career at Dupont, CSC and Harpal. I am distressed that this happened to Joe. I like to feel I was some sort of “mentor” to him when he joined the OR group at Dupont long ago. If not, at least he was my friend and coworker. We had some adventures together outside of work as well. I will not forget him and he and his family will be in my prayers.
Walt
Scott Cooper
The best gifts in life our friendships . Life takes friends different paths and different worlds but they aren’t ever forgotten. I was friends with Joe in a great group of swimming friends on a team in Pike Creek Valley in our late teen years. Joe was a hell of a classy and nice guy back then along with Maryann and Robbie. I’m very happy he lived a life of love and achieved his dreams. May peace be with your loving family and Joe’s friends.
Greg Ariff
Dear Faccenda Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I met Joe through his work with the Suburban Swim League (SSL). While I didn’t know Joe well, I appreciated the he was always kind and positive in our interactions and very responsive in his role as SSL webmaster. His service to the SSL over many years was impactful and widely appreciated.
Bennett Foster
I was surprised and distressed to learn of Joe’s passing. He lived with a real zest for life. But I also knew Joe as someone who exercised regularly and watched what he ate.
Joe was brilliant in his chosen field of Operations Research. Over decades of working with and around him, I observed him always holding his own (or better) with some of the most qualified people in that field. At the same time he was generous with his time to stop, answer questions and explain concepts.
Anyone who worked with Joe quickly learned how devoted he was to (and how much pride he took in) his wife and family. Dale’s and my condolences and prayers go out to Ann, his sons, and grandchildren.
Bob Lingenfelter
Partner, Theresa and I are so sadden to hear about your beloved Joe. Please know you are in our prayers and thoughts. I am always here if you need me and please know we love you so very much. Our thoughts are with you and the boys. May God keep you closer at this time of your loss…Joe was your rock and now he’s your Angel… love you kiddo…L
Joe Hunter
Dear Ann and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you on this loss. I wanted to attend the service but have been off all week with the flu! Prayers and healing to each of you!
Love- Joe Hunter
R.C. Peoples
Faccenda Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Joe was a good man. I remember being in middle school, hanging out at the Faccenda house several times a week. David and I would goof off, coming up with ridiculous ideas and stories. One time we dreamed up a video game that was a blatant ripoff of several existing titles. We asked Joe to use his connections in the computer world to help us get the game made. Even though it was never going to happen, he still humored us, helping us come up with drawings and plans for each level. The world needs more optimists, and Joe certainly was that. I will remember him as an intelligent, kind, and generous neighbor and friend.
Patricia Dobson
Hi Ann, So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Pat Dobson