Born July 26, 1941, in Columbus, he was the son of John F. and Lena M. (Bova) Dell. He married Rita Jo (Pelley) in 1973, and they shared over 50 years together until her passing on March 27, 2025.
Joe retired from Cummins after 32 years as a fuel pump builder and tester. He was a graduate of Columbus High School (1959) and a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. He also belonged to the Diesel Workers Union, Columbus Moose Lodge No. 398, Knights of Columbus, and the Eagles.
He enjoyed archery, fishing, golf, and especially coaching children’s sports. His greatest joy was time spent with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carmella Dell. Survivors include his children, Timothy (Bonnie) Dell, Anthony (Crystal) Dell, and Carmella (Robert) Musillami; brothers, John Dell and Jerome (Peggy) Dell; grandchildren, Malena, Chelsea, Jessica, Sophia, and Adrianna; great-granddaughter, Aubrey; several nieces and nephews; and his good friends, Brian Holbrook and Denny Stanley.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Garland Brook Cemetery with Rev. Clement T. Davis officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Joe would want you to take a child outside and teach them a sport. Memorials may also be made to the Indiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to a local mental health program for teens.
Please leave a fond memory of Joe at www.Hathaway-Myers.com.
