Joseph E. Motil

Joseph E. Motil, 100, of Bethlehem died Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Moravian Village in Bethlehem. Born in Williams Township he was the son of the late Anna (Mauer) and Alexander Motil. He was married to Goldie C. (Kovacs) Motil for 65 years until her death in 2008.

Joe worked in the Laros Silk Mill and Bethlehem Silk Mill. He also worked for the Bethlehem Steel in the soaking pits and other departments for 40 years. Joe served his country in the US Army during WWII. He was attached to the 4th Infantry(IVY) Div. L. CO. 22nd Inf. Reg.and landed with the first wave on Utah Beach on D Day, June 6th 1944. He was wounded June 11, 1944 and received the Purple Heart for his injuries. He also received the following medals: Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Arrowhead, European African Middle Eastern Medal, President Unit Emblem Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Good Conduct Medal, and 50th Anniversary French Jubilee of Liberty Medal. In 2016 he received the French Medal of Honor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. He was the founder of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the 4th Inf. (IVY) Div. Assn. and served as President at both the Chapter and National levels. Joseph was a life member of D.A.V. Chapter 07 of the Lehigh Valley, Military order of the Purple Heart Chapter 190 of the Lehigh Valley, Battle of the Bulge, Hellertown American Legion Post 397. He served as Sr. Vice Commander and President of the Hellertown Legion Post.

Joe was born and raised on a farm and continued his love of gardening with special interest in growing and eating hot peppers and watermelons.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Carol Sellman, wife of Robert of Haddon Heights, NJ, grandchildren, Michelle Cox, wife of Retired A.F. Col. Lee-Volker and Jennifer Jenkins, wife of Adam, and great grandson, Ryan. Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Alexander and Louis Motil and sister, Anna Motil.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 from 10 AM to 12 PM followed by a service at 12 PM. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.



Memorial contributions may be made in Josephs name to the Military order of the Purple Heart LV Chapter 190, c/o finance officer Chuck Jackson, 6358 Manzanite Dr., Macungie, PA 18062

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Gathering
Saturday, December 22, 2018
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral Service
Saturday, December 22, 2018
12:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

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