Joseph R. Bozik

Joseph R. Bozik, 79, of Hellertown, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2015 at St. Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem. Joseph was born on March 2, 1936 in Donora, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph G. and Anna (Peters) Bozik. Joe attended Lafayette College from 1954-1958. During his college years, Joe participated in football, wrestling and baseball. He found his greatest success on the gridiron, where he started three seasons at quarterback, including 1955, when Lafayette captured the “Little Brass Cannon,” the programs first Middle Three title since 1944. Bozik, an option quarterback, defensive back and kick returner, scored two touchdowns and converted a point after in the Leopards 35-6 upset of Lehigh in his sophomore year. Joe earned 6 collegiate letters and was a 1955 All American quarterback. He was inducted into the Lafayette College Hall of Fame in 1993. Joe graduated from Lafayette in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration. Following graduation, he was drafted by both the CFL and the Pittsburgh Pirates, but was committed to the United States Army. He served honorably for two years and attended Airborne Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. While stationed at Ford Ord in California, he met his wife, the late Geraldine (Arnberger) Bozik. They married in 1960. Joe had a 40- year career in sales at Bethlehem Steel. He retired as General Manager of the Export Sales Division. After graduating from Lafayette, Joe never forgot his Alma Mater and was an ardent supporter of the college and Lafayette Football. As one of the original members of the steering committee for the Maroon Club Friends of Lafayette Football, Joe gave generously to the sport he loved. He served on the Development Committee promoting scholarships, encouraging his teammates and others to support Lafayette Football and himself sponsoring incoming quarterbacks every year. Most recently, Joe served on the committee to establish the “Fred M. Kirby II 42 Head Football Coach” endowment. In 2012, Joe was named the Maroon Club Friends of Lafayette Football Friend of the Year.

He is survived by his companion of many years, Peg Marcin; and his children, Gillian T. Shipman, Esquire and her husband, Christopher M. Shipman, Esquire, of Easton; Marc E. Bozik and Christopher J. Bozik both of Bethlehem Twp.; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward E. Bozik.

A Memorial Service will be held 11am Friday March 13, 2015 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Calling hours will be held from 5-8pm Thursday evening and Friday morning from 10-11am at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Cedar Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Lafayette Football 730 High St., Easton, PA 18042.

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