Joseph E. Correll, Jr.

Joseph E. Correll, Jr.

Joseph Correll, Jr., 87, a successful, self-made entrepreneur and well-known philanthropist in the Lehigh Valley, entered into eternal life in peace, surrounded by his loved ones, at Country Meadows in Allentown on Saturday, December 31, 2011.

He will be lovingly remembered as a gentleman who lived life with grace, deep compassion and great dignity.

Born June 16, 1924, in Bethlehem, Joe was raised by his father, Joseph Correll Sr., and his grandparents, after his mother passed away when Joe was an infant.

His childhood days were spent in the simple pleasures of playing baseball with neighborhood friends on long summer days and sledding in the winter down a nearby hill. A favorite memory he often recounted for friends was when he received a new bike from his sister Sally when he turned 15 years old and rode it about 60 miles from Bethlehem to his family's summer cottage at Lake Minisink in the Poconos.

Joe went to Liberty High School in Bethlehem where he briefly played football. While still in high school, Joe worked part time at the R.K. Laros Silk Mill in Bethlehem. He held various jobs at Laros over 20 years, starting out as a bobbin boy and eventually having full oversight of the mill's production. His employment there would prove to be the foundation for his future success and entrepreneurial vision.

It was at Laros that Joe met the love of his life, Marjorie Sloyer, who was then secretary to Russell K. Laros. Joe and Marjorie were married in 1945 in the United Church of Christ, Bethlehem. They moved into a small apartment on Market Street before later building their own home in Bethlehem. For 66 years, until Marjorie's passing in 2001, the couple lived a joyous, faith-filled life. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their second home in Bellair Beach, Florida, and were partners in every sense.

As the American textile business began losing ground to foreign textile manufacturers, Joe left Laros to invest in a smaller textile operation with a colleague from Laros. From that modest start in Bath, Pa., Joe left to pursue his own business venture a few years later, opening a retail store selling ribbons and lace in his mother-in-law's garage in Bethlehem. Joining him in that business was Ken Wotring, also a former colleague from Laros.

Through its mail-order catalog business, Home-Sew quickly built a large clientele at a time when home crafts and homemade clothing was both a hobby and way of life for many women. Joe was very proud of Home-Sew which continues to this day.

Joe retired from Home-Sew in 1982 and continued to enjoy travel with Marge and golfing at Saucon Valley Country Club. His generous heart embraced many local organizations, among them Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Phoebe Ministries, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Trinity Episcopal, United Church of Christ of Bethlehem, Calvary Episcopal Church, FL., and The Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Joe was baptized.

Joe's generosity extended to giving of his time and expertise. He was a founding member and officer of the Bethlehem Junior Chamber of Commerce and helped launch Muskifest. He also was a member of the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and served on the Bethlehem YMCA Board of Trustees.

Joe is survived by his dearest friend, colleague, and care giver of 38 years, Pamela Calabrese, Macungie; her daughter, Sarah Calabrese; a niece, Janet Fetter, Millbrae, CA.; and nephews, Tom Peters and his wife Luci, Bethlehem; and Bob Peters and his wife Marianne, Pennsburg.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 7, at 11 a.m., at The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 3rd and Wyandotte streets, Bethlehem.

The family will receive friends on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church

Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering in Sayre Hall at the Cathedral Church immediately following the service.

The Connell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit, 850 S. Fifth Street, Allentown, PA., 18103; or The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, PA., 18015.