Joseph G. Pomponio, Md

Joseph G. Pomponio, M.D., 82, of Bethlehem, died on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was born November 11, 1926 in Compobasso, Italy; the son of the late Attilio and Giovanna Listorti Pomponio.

Dr. Pomponio is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Agnes J. Ambrosino Pomponio.

He came to the United States in 1932.

Dr. Pomponio attended St. Joseph's Academy in Rutland Vermont where he was Valedictorian of his class. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in 1950 and from the University of Vermont Medical School in 1953.

From 1953-1954 Dr. Pomponio served as an intern at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was last employed at the VA Medical Clinic in Allentown from 1981-2005. Previously he was an E.R. Physician at St. Luke's from 1968-1981. Dr. Pomponio also worked for Pocono Medical Clinic and Lehigh University Health Clinic from 1956-1966.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a seaman aboard a destroyer. He was also a Medical Officer during the Korean War, stationed in Redbank NJ and Patuxent River NAS.

Dr. Pomponio later served as a medical officer in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Commander after 20 years of service. After a short time period he joined the PA National Guard and became the Colonel in charge of the 103rd Medical Battalion of the 28th Infantry Division and served eight more years.

He was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and his daughters, Mary Jo and Gina.

Dr. Pomponio was a parishioner of St. Anne's Catholic Church where he served as a Lector. He was also a member of Northampton County Medical Society.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Agnes; daughter Mary Jo and her husband Richard Ambury of Fairfield, CT; Gina Pomponio and her husband Michael Bradley of Madison, NJ and grandchildren Joseph Ambury, Matthew Bradley and Grace Bradley.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 6-8:30 PM at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 11 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc. 212 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18018 and/or VA Medical Center please specify for use of Allentown Clinic1111 E End Blvd Wilkes Barre, PA 18711-0030 and/ or St. Anne's Church.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.