Joseph W. Thoroughgood, 85

MILFORD - Joseph W. Thoroughgood, a loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford on Monday, July 20, 2009, at the age of 85, after a short hospitalization due to a fall. Mr. Thoroughgood attended the Gull House in Rehoboth five days per week, receiving wonderful care and enjoying a variety of activities aimed at senior citizens. He and his wife Iris were lifelong residents of Rehoboth Beach, where he and his brother Bill owned and operated Thoroughgood Appliances on Rehoboth Avenue. Mr. Thoroughgood retired in the mid '80s and resided at The Plantations, a residential community between Rehoboth and Lewes. His hobbies included surf fishing, coastal and bird watching, and his innate ability to fix just about anything. Joe had a great sense of humor. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, stationed in Italy, where he received two purple hearts due to injuries incurred during the war. Born May 28, 1924, in Georgetown, Joe was the son of the late George and Pearl Thoroughgood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Jack, and George "Bugs" Thoroughgood. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Iris C. Thoroughgood; two daughters, Denise Goepel and her husband Charles of Severna Park, Md., and Tina Thoroughgood and her partner Susan Schening of Milton; two grandchildren, Katie and John Goepel, who are both attending college in Maryland; and his brother, James "Sparky" Thoroughgood of near Lewes. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at St. George's chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, where friends may call after 10:30 a.m. The family requests memorial donations to either, Gull House, 38149 Terrace Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Home.