Joseph H. Trilling

Joseph Henry Trilling, age 85, of Frankford, DE, passed away on Thursday, March 14,

2024 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE. Born in Washington DC, he was the son

of the late Joseph Paul and Mary Helen “Fischer” Trilling. Joe is preceded in death by

beloved wife Lucille Corbin Trilling, siblings Jane Ponton, Gayle Trilling, Connie Moore,

and Jimmy Trilling, and is survived by children Valerie Awad of Orlando, FL, Laura

Williams-Hofacre of Germantown, MD, Scott Trilling of Boyds, MD and Jeff Trilling of

Bethesda, MD; siblings Robert “Bobby” Trilling, Mary Ann Lansinger, Joan Wooton,

Margaret Miller and Diane “Bubba” Tehaan; 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and

his longtime partner Millie Weisberg of Baltimore, MD.

The longtime proprietor of Maggie’s Restaurant in NW DC and manager at Hechinger,

he served his communities as an active member of the Georgetown Big Brothers, Lions

Club and Knights of Columbus. Joe and Lucille together served the Catholic church and

school communities of Our Lady of Victory, St. Martin’s and St. John Neumann,

organizing fundraisers and community gatherings and sponsoring sports teams.

Enjoying retirement, “Racetrack Joe '' enjoyed many years singing his favorite songs

such as “Blueberry Hill” and “Irish Eyes” during Harpoon Hanna’s Happy Hour in

Fenwick Beach. His favorite pastimes were betting on horses, fishing, crabbing, and

storytelling. He had a cheery disposition for all who would listen and have a beer.

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, 'tis like a morn' in Spring

In the lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world seems bright and gay

And when Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral

Home in Selbyville. DE. The family will receive guests at 1:00 pm with the prayer service

to begin at 2:00 pm. Guests are invited to join the family for a gathering tentatively

planned to occur at Harpoon Hannas immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior

Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org