SMYRNA - Joseph Paul Dugan passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, surrounded by his wife and family. Mr. Dugan was born on April 17, 1931, in Wilmington, the son of the late Hugh and Helen (Quinn) Dugan.
He graduated from Salesianum High School in 1949 where he played basketball. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Mary's College in 1953. He was a graduate student and teacher at the University of Alaska. He served his country with honor during the Korean War with the Combat Ski Troop in the United States Army.
Mr. Dugan retired in 1991 from the State of Delaware, Division of Social Services as an administrator. He was a harness horse trainer/owner from 1959 to his death.
Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family and harness racing. He was an avid sports fan. He was a member of St. Polycarp Roman Catholic Parish and the American Legion in Smyrna.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Hugh I. Dugan, Jr. and Edward W. Dugan; his son, Joseph Paul Dugan, Jr.; son-in-law, Charles D. Straughn; and his parents-in-law, Sherman Gray and Rosie Gray Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Madeline Frances Dugan; six children, Hartford Robinson, III (Nancie), Kendall Robinson (Linda), Wanda Straughn, Robert Robinson (Linda), Joanne Fletcher (Dan), and Celeste Hufford (David); seventeen grandchildren, Hartford Robinson IV (Johnny), Cody Robinson (Hillary), Kent Robinson (Lauren), Jennifer Kattau (David), Kyle Robinson, Natalie Dodd (Henry), Charles Jr. and Paul Straughn, Robert Robinson Jr. (Stacey), Jonathan and Gregory Robinson, Laura Grier (Jason), Dan Fletcher Jr. (Francis), Ashley Wilson (Ben), Danielle Hufford, David Hufford Jr., and Joseph Dugan III (Mackenzie); sixteen great-grandchildren, Mason, Ashlyn, Logan, Brooke, Jacob, Marshall, Ethan, Sean, Grant, Elyssia, Ava, Bryce, Hunter, Garrett, Trey, and Elowyn; his sister, Helen A. Dugan; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Dugan and Marie Robinson; many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Chavise, Rhondalyn, and the nursing staff of Season's Hospice and Palliative Care of Newark.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Polycarp Roman Catholic Parish, located at 135 Ransom Lane in Smyrna. Burial will follow at Townsend Cemetery in Townsend.
Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com