Mr. Joseph George Ivock lovingly passed away April 15, 2021, at the age of 101.
Born Sept. 6, 1919, in Johnstown, Pa., he was the oldest son of Veda Vitt and Frances (Perak) Ivock. He was preceded in death by parents and siblings; wife, Mary Jane; grandson-in-law, Benjamin VanSciver; and great-granddaughter, Bethany VanSciver. Joe is survived by his companion of 28 years, Diana Carroll Spicer. He was the proud father of Donna Borgenicht (Ron), Nancy Rowan (James W.), and Mary Jo Verdery (Kelli Steele); and the loving “Pop-Pop” to five grandchildren: Laurie VanSciver Lankford (Scott), Billy Groton (Lonny), James W. Rowan II (Tammy), Sherri Martin (Robert), Shannon Wright (Sarah), seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Joe served as a communications specialist in the U.S. Army at Fisherman’s Island Camp, Va., during World War II. He retired in 1982 from Southwestern Life Insurance Company after 27 years selling life insurance throughout the state of Virginia and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After retirement, he worked managing a series of hotels in California before returning to Delaware in 2010. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Joe was an avid storyteller who loved his family first and foremost and also enjoyed sports, particularly baseball. He prided himself on being a friend to all and never met a stranger.
A private graveside ceremony was held Monday, April 19, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Blades, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Intrepid Hospice, 165 Market St., Suite 2, Onancock, VA 23417-4233.
