Joseph “Joe” E. 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.
Linda Palmer
Joe was such a great friend to me for so many years and I’ll always cherish my memories with him. From the parties, his love of Pepsi, his Camaro and of course his great sense of humor. Gail, you changed his life, you filled a void he was missing. I’m so sorry.
Elizabeth Givens
Sending my deepest sympathies to all Joe’s family and friends. I knew him through my brother Paul – part of the Ace hardware gang. Such a wonderful person… kind, funny and down to earth. So sad to hear this news. You are all in my thoughts.
John Bradley
I had the great pleasure of working under Joe’s management at Manor Hardware for a number of years while I was in high school. He was a phenomenal mentor and was teaching me things he may not have realized that would help me much later in life. He taught me how to take care of customers, and I’m grateful for that as I look back on my 35 years of owning my business. Rest in peace, Joe!
Andrew McLaughlin
Joe was very friendly to me every time we met and I’ll miss him greatly. The room always laughed more when he was there. Sending my condolences to Gail and the rest of his family and friends.
Kim WebsterKeiser
My deepest sympathy and prayers. Uncle Joe is an amazing, sweet man. He will be greatly missed.
John kirkley
Joe was a great neighbor and friend i will miss him dearly god bless the dryness family
Joanna Vodvarka
Joe may have been my brother-in-law, but he was also a friend. When I recently decided to purchase a snowblower, of course, I called Joe for advice on what I should buy. When watching Jeopardy with both of you, there would be some obscure category with Joe being able to give the correct responses. I was in awe. Joe will be forever missed!
Gene McLaughlin
Having Joe as a brother-in-law was great for me because it provided someone for my wife to use as a reference for basically everything that’s needed to be done around the house. My knowledge of these matters can be summed up as, slim to none. He always made everyone around him laugh and smile and feel better for knowing him. Why was he taken away from us? I guess St Peter needed a Hardware God to help him maintain those Pearly Gates, new hinges, new latches, fresh paint. From his apartment days new carpets new keys. We know you will be there for us when the time comes, but no hurry.
Heather Anton Perello
My Uncle Joe was the one of the greatest men alive .I dont even know how to function anymore without knowing he isn’t here with us now. I already miss 12 nightly or daily calls from you. I keep picking up the phone to ask your something dumb. Your my first person to call for everything! I will keep Bobby on track with his school. I know how proud you were of him. He was so excited everything time to tell you he made Deans List again! I can look at him and see your mini clone as he is just like you! Definitely got all his brains from his god father! Just for now I will only have one of you asking me all these trivia questions and tells me facts about everything lol I love you so much! I will miss you til I see you again. Uncle John will be fine! I got him now . I will do you proud!
Bonnie Vodvarka
My brother-in-law Joe was a true family man. Joe lived to help, advise and teach his family, friends, actually any one he met who needed some assistance. I am sending my love and condolences to Gail and all his friends and family. Joe will be remembered and missed forever by his loved ones.
The Hurd's
We’ve known Joe since the late 70s when we moved to New Castle. My husband & I were recently married and new “to us” homebuyers. We often took sage advice from Joe on many of our home improvement projects. When we moved to Penn Acres, we became nearby neighbors. It wasn’t until our son moved across the street from Joe and Gail that we became more than neighborhood acquaintances but reliable friends. When talking we realized we had a lot of the same interests and would share conversations about New Castle, who we knew, charities, hardware stories, collectibles/cars, travels and his/our love of animals, especially cats. Several times Joe would call me from work about a kitten/ cat that needed help. My last phone call from Joe was about his concern for placing a relative’s cat. That was Joe, always caring for others in whatever their need may be and taking the time to involve himself with those that needed him. A promise is made in Proverbs, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done”.
To Gail, family and friends we are truly saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to you. If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to call us. Sincerely, Barbara, Jerry, Laura, and Brent Hurd