Joseph “Joe” Scanlon, 73, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Joe was a lifelong mechanic and respected businessman who built Harvey Road Automotive from the ground up and proudly operated it for more than forty years. Known for his honesty, humor, and fairness, Joe earned the trust of generations of customers throughout the Wilmington area. He believed in treating people the right way and built not only a successful business but a lasting network of friendships with customers who became like family.
He graduated from Salesianum School in 1971. Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 57 years with the love of his life, his wife Diane, whom he met as teenagers. Together they raised their sons, Sean and Ryan, building a life centered around family, hard work, and time spent outdoors.
When he wasn’t in the shop, Joe was happiest outside—camping with his family, or spending time hunting and fishing. The mountains and woods were a special place for him, where he formed lifelong friendships and passed along his love of the outdoors to his sons and friends.
Joe’s greatest joy later in life came from being “Pop-Pop” to his beloved granddaughters, Addie and Scarlett, who he proudly told everyone about—even during his final days in the hospital. His family was his greatest source of pride.
Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quick sense of humor, loyalty to his friends, and the quiet wisdom he shared with those closest to him. Whether helping a customer, sharing stories with friends, or enjoying a glass of Jameson while watching the evening news, Joe lived a life grounded in simple values and deep love for the people around him.
Joe was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Scanlon; his parents, Martin Scanlon and Anna Scanlon (Seifert); his sister, Patricia Klotz (Ben); and his brother, Dr. Martin Scanlon (Sarah).
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Scanlon (Vincent); his son Sean Scanlon (Jordan); his cherished granddaughters Addie and Scarlett; and many extended family members, close friends, and former customers whose lives he touched over the years.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday, March 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A second visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a remembrance service at 9:30 a.m., where we invite Joe’s family and friends to share words of remembrance. Burial will be held privately
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
Joe’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he built, and the many people whose lives were better for knowing him.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
