Joseph Anthony Acevedo

Joseph Anthony Acevedo, 83, of Bethlehem, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024. Born on April 1, 1941, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Nemesio and Angela (Acevedo) Sanchez.

Joe served his country honorably in the Army after being drafted. He was stationed in Germany (where he met his first wife Rose). Following his discharge from the military, he followed his father's footsteps and worked for 35 years at the Bethlehem Steel as a welder. Joe had a strong work ethic and dedicated himself to the job at hand. If he didn't know how to do something, he found someone to assist and teach him. He often held two jobs. He had his own welding shop on the South side of Bethlehem for many years. Later in life he owned and operated Brite Carpet Cleaning serving the Lehigh Valley. Refusing to be idle, after selling that business he drove a school bus for the Bethlehem Area School District. Beyond his professional endeavors, Joe enjoyed martial arts, holding a black belt in Kenpo. He enjoyed home projects, and with the help of friends built multiple additions to the family home in Bethlehem Township. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, listening to bands and dancing with his wife. He was lighthearted, and enjoyed talking and joking with friends as he never met a stranger. He loved God, his country and the American flag. Dad met Brenda, his true love 14 years ago. They retired, moved to Florida and married in 2018. There they enjoyed hosting family, making new friends, basking in Florida sunshine, lounging on the beach, swimming in their pool, and strengthening their faith by reading religious books.

Joe will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Brenda Lee Acevedo; six children, Bettina Serfass (Barry), Frank Nardo, Angela Acevedo, Joseph Acevedo, Michael Acevedo (Nellann), and Christina Singca; sisters Iris Cintron (William) and Judith Rodriguez (Luis), nine grandchildren; Jarrett, Eric, Nathaniel, Connor, Korinne, Alexis, Anthony, Liam, and Aiden, and one great grandchild, Isaiah, and his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1817 1st Street, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.