Rehoboth Beach - Developer and Horseman William "Bill" Arthur Joseph made the journey to Heaven in the early morning of Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. Bill will be remembered for his caring friendship to many, his endearing mischief, and his trademark blue-and-white striped conductor's hat. Bill was born on Aug. 20, 1926 in Rehoboth Beach to Arthur Barnes Joseph and Margaret Webb Joseph. His childhood memories were centered on Joseph's Grocery Store on Rehoboth Avenue, which his parents owned from 1927 until 1945. In 1944, he enlisted with the United States Navy and served for two years aboard the USS Dayton (CL-105), memorably being the first cruiser to enter Tokyo Bay during World War II. In 1947, Bill married the love of his life, V. Louise Massey, and started his construction company, Ridge Homes. Bill's first venture was to develop the farm across from Rehoboth Elementary School, which he bought at age 24; he developed that land into the Schoolvue neighborhood that stands today, where he raised his family until 1985. Bill was also the proprietor of Joseph's Cottages on Rehoboth Avenue. He and Louise cherished the opportunity to host thousands of visitors to his beloved Rehoboth Beach, especially students from his ancestral Ireland, over several decades. Apart from his family, Bill's greatest passion was horses - at age 7, he received a Chincoteague pony under the Christmas tree and never looked back. Bill bred, trained, and raced Standardbred horses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, basing his operation at Pam-An Stables in Lewes and raising regional favorites like Golden Pepper, Gus Webb, Amelia J, and Dani Doodles. He was an avid traveler who spent much of his time visiting family in County Donegal, Ireland, vacationing along the Florida coast, and attending reunions of the USS Dayton, from Alaska to Kentucky. In retirement, Bill and Louise split their time between Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Boynton Beach, Florida. A man of energy and youth, Bill was known for his ability to jump a split-rail fence into his late seventies, and was likely to relax only on his lanai at home, with a cigar in hand. Above all, Bill was most devoted in his role as "Hop" to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who adore him as the most loving and lively father and grandfather anyone could ask for. Bill was preceded in passing in 2012 by his wife of nearly 65 years, V. Louise Joseph of Rehoboth Beach. He is survived by his son, William "B.J." Joseph, Jr. and wife Melissa of Rehoboth Beach; daughter, Dayna Quillen and husband Chris of Rehoboth Beach; grandsons, Cory Clouser and wife Amanda of Annapolis, Md., Derrick Quillen and wife Katie of Lewes, Kyle Joseph of Rehoboth Beach, and Lonnie Joseph and wife Myriah of San Diego, Calif.; granddaughters, Danica Paul and husband Rich of Milton, and Jaclyn Joseph of Rehoboth Beach; great-grandchildren, Fiona and Piper Paul of Milton, Flynn Clouser of Annapolis, Md., and Jayden Joseph of San Diego, Calif.; brother-in-law, Captain William "Bill" Massey and wife Myrtle of Okeechobee, Fla.; Linda, Jennifer, and Bryan Shropshire of Duxbury, Mass.; and a multitude of friends, neighbors, and confidants extending from Rehoboth Beach to County Donegal, Ireland. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all of the wonderful caregivers at Safe Harbor Memory Care within Cadbury at Lewes for their exceptional care and compassion during Bill's stay. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015 at 11:00 A.M., at All Saints' Episcopal Parish, 18 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971, where a conversation hour will begin at 10:00 A.M. in the parish hall. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of William "Bill" Arthur Joseph to Cadbury at Lewes c/o Safe Harbor Memory Care, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, Delaware 19958 or the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association, 830 Walker Square, Dover, Delaware 19904. Please visit Mr. Joseph's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com