Joseph R. Geldon, Sr.

Joseph R. Geldon, Sr., 91, of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at his residence.

He was born June 7, 1919 in Fountain Hill, the son of the late Frank Geldon, Sr. and Helen Sumera Geldon.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Helen C. Wielb Geldon.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 213th and 309th Combat Engineers. Joseph was involved in the invasion of Sicily under General Patton.

He retired in 1981 from the Bethlehem Steel after 42 years of service as a roll molder and closer and was a member of the USW Local 2599.

Joseph was a former parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Jeanette, wife of Ronald Poniktera of Bethlehem and Michelle, wife of Carlos Teles of Wilson; his son, Joseph D. Geldon and his wife, Maryann of Whitehall and his sister-in-law Betty Lipka Geldon of Bethlehem. Joseph will also be dearly missed by his six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Joseph was predeceased by his sister, Helen Dozer and his brothers, Walter, Frank, Jr. and John.

He spent many hours in the gym bodybuilding and training others and established the first weightlifting club in the Lehigh Valley at St. Michael's Polish Hall in south Bethlehem.

Joseph was an avid Mets fan, enjoyed listening to Polkas and was proud of his Polish heritage.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 21, 2011 from 6-8 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem and again on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 8-9:15 AM in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015 at 10 AM.

Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stephen's Place 729 Ridge St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Condolences may be made online at www.connellfuneral.com