The Broccolo family.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A tight-knit Maryland community is mourning the loss of Charlene and Albert “Al” Broccolo — a beloved Bel Air couple described by loved ones as the heart of their family — after they were tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Delaware.

According to Delaware State Police, the crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, on Coastal Highway in Lewes. 

Investigators said a Peterbilt dump truck failed to slow down for traffic and slammed into a line of vehicles that had stopped or slowed near Hudson Road, triggering a chain reaction involving five vehicles.

Police said Charlene Broccolo, 62, was driving a Ford Edge when it was struck from behind. 

She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died. Her husband, 64-year-old Albert Broccolo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The drivers of the other vehicles, including a Nissan Altima, two BMWs, and the Peterbilt truck, were either treated for non-life-threatening injuries or uninjured, police said. The crash shut down Coastal Highway for about five hours while investigators and reconstruction units worked the scene.

The Broccolos leave behind a close family, including their son Joseph, daughter, their spouses, and four young grandchildren who adored them.

The Broccolo family.

The Broccolo family.

GoFundMe

“I can’t believe I am typing this, but unfortunately, we lost both of my parents Friday afternoon,” their son Joseph Broccolo wrote in an emotional tribute. 

"My parents were amazing people. They were my heroes. They had a light that could brighten any room." 

"I’m not sure how life will ever be normal again. Please hug your loved ones a little tighter today.”

He later shared another post, writing, “I will never stop talking about you two. I will never stop telling your story. I’m so proud to call you both my parents. You will always be my heroes.”

Relatives and friends have flooded social media with tributes remembering the couple’s warmth and the joy they brought into every gathering.

“Please pray for my family,” wrote Issa Woodward Hoffmaster. “We lost my Aunt Charlene and Uncle Albert Friday, suddenly in a car accident. Our family is devastated. If you can't donate, I will still be forever grateful for prayers.”

The Broccolo family.

The Broccolo family.

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe launched by family friend Carley Cavallaro, on behalf of Joseph Broccolo, described the couple as “loving parents, grandparents, and friends to so many” who “left this world together far too soon.”

“Our hearts are broken as we share the unexpected passing of Charlene and Al,” Cavallaro wrote. “They left behind their daughter and son, their loving spouses, and four beautiful grandchildren who adored them. Your kindness will help give our family the space to grieve, to be together, and to begin healing during this incredibly difficult time.”

The GoFundMe can be found here.

As the family and community continue to grieve, Joseph Broccolo’s words have become a reflection of the love they shared: “You will always be my heroes.”