Joseph George Givens was born just before the Great Depression on July 31, 1928 in New Castle, Delaware. He was the oldest son of Catherine Givens (nee Neher) and George Joseph Givens and brother to Ann Antonio (Hudson) who pre-deceased him, Catherine 'Mitzi' Antonio (Harry) and James Givens (Linda) who both survive him. As a boy, he had daily adventures with his neighborhood friends known as the 2nd Street Gang. He worked as a clerk for the corner store, as a deckhand on the New Castle Ferry (his favorite job), and delivered mail for a rural route as a postman. As a young man, he joined the Navy in 1945 and was stationed in Washington D.C. for two years as a radio communication interceptor. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard in missile defense before retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel from the Army Reserves. Naturally athletic, he played semi-professional baseball before embarking on a career in education.
He was the first in his family to go to college graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and went on to earn a Master's Degree in Education Administration, both from University of Delaware. He spent his professional life as an educator in the Red Clay School District guiding thousands of children through early education - first as a science teacher to 5th and 6th grade children and then as principal at Stanton Elementary School and Forest Oak. He was awarded the "Instructor for Excellence in Teaching" in 1964. He finished his long and distinguished career as a Superintendent Administrator.
In his retirement, he co-founded a Task force for St. Peter's Church in New Castle, where he was a lifelong parishioner, that engaged in fundraising and instituted major renovations of the church and its facilities. He also served as the inaugural Task Force Treasurer.
He married his best friend Charlie's younger sister and the love of his life Mary Ann (Klingmeyer, d. 1992) in the Parish of St. Peter's in New Castle on the morning of May 30, 1959 and gained a sister Elizabeth Foster (James) along with three brothers – Charles (Connie), Fred (Margaret) and Jack Klingmeyer. Joe and Mary Ann settled in New Castle and raised seven children together, Theresa Mancari (Patrick), Karen Givens (d. 2020), Joanne Givens, Kevin Givens (d. 1989), Paul Givens (Cynthia), Elizabeth Givens and Mark Givens (Tara). They created a welcoming (albeit lively) home for friends and family, where the doors were always unlocked, and enjoyed spending summers with everyone at their beach cottage in Avalon, NJ. He was a grandfather to 10 children, Jacqueline, Aindrea, and Kevin Mancari; Abigail, Adam and Mitch Givens; Felix, Greta, and Reggie Givens; a great grandfather to Owen Mancari and 'Uncle Joe' to many nieces and nephews.
He loved all kinds of music (big band especially) and as a young man won dance competitions with his sister Mitzi. For a guy born on 2nd Street who died on 6th Street, he ended up seeing much of the world traveling to Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Far East. He was an adventurous, amiable travel companion who took naturally to the road and was a keen observer of human nature. He was honest to the core, and treated everyone fairly regardless of position or background. Most of all, he was devoted to his family – immediate and extended – who could count on his steady counsel and support in difficult times. He was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully in his home on May 4th, 2024. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be deeply missed by his family.
A special note of thanks to his neighbors, especially Winnie and John for always being there at a moment's notice, his remarkable physician Dr. Arif, and the staff at Fresenius First State.
Viewing will be Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at Krienen's Funeral Home, 101 W. 6th Street, New Castle DE. The funeral will be held at 10 am on Friday morning at St. Peter's Church, 521 W. 5th Street, New Castle DE, graveside burial following at the church.