Joseph A. Ammend

Joseph A. Ammend Jr., 86, of Bethlehem, PA died Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Holy Family Manor.

Born on November 17, 1936, he was the son of the late Joseph Ammend Sr. and his wife, Marion (Sprague) Ammend.

In “Joes” younger years he was a graduate of Liberty High School, and after graduating he proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. Upon completion of his duty, he apprenticed in the plumbing trade. He married Kathleen Gardlock and shortly after became a dad to three daughters. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel for many years, before moving onto the Bethlehem Area School District where he retired in 2013. He divorced and later married Kathy Oakley. He was a proud lifelong resident of Bethlehem, often relaying tales of the city once upon a time.

Joe was also an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Lehigh University football fan. He loved all sports, as well as boating, tinkering in his garden harvesting some prized veggies, cooking a mean secret recipe chili and just simply enjoying what life presented to him.

He is remembered for his genuine smile and his interesting storytelling. He was not a boastful man, but quiet in his actions. He had a simple nature, honest and with good intentions. He was a successful man, measured by his comments just days prior to his death, “I have lived a good life, and I have no regrets”. He lived life according to his own measure of happiness, and expected nothing in return for the love he gave. He was a good man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his three children, daughters, Lynda and son-in law, James Transue of Charlotte, NC., Colleen and son-in-law, Ilvo Prosperi of Lugano Switzerland., and Karen “Wren” Ammend of Sarasota FL.; his three grandchildren, granddaughters, Aylee McEldowney, Miranda Prosperi and grandson, Lorenzo Prosperi; as well as two great-grandchildren, Wylder and Isla McEldowney. He is also survived by his sister, Marcee A. Beilstein, of Virginia and brother, Robert J. Ammend, of Hawaii.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his late wife, Kathy Ammend, and his late ex-wife, Kathleen Ammend.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memorial mass for close friends and family will be held at Holy Family Manor Chapel, 1200 Spring St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Monday, February 6 at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of ones choice in honor of Joseph.

Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour
2575 Linden St,
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, February 6, 2023
10:30 AM
Holy Family Manor Chapel
1200 Spring St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531