Thomas Stivala

Thomas Stivala of Bethlehem, PA previously of New Jersey, Florida and Staten Island passed away peacefully on April 4, 2021 after a long illness. He was born in Brooklyn NY to Concetta and Nicholas Stivala (deceased) and the beloved son in law of Anna and Charles Fradella (deceased) and is survived by his loving, devoted true love and wife of 58 years, Helene M. Stivala who adored him. We remember him as a wonderful father and father in law to his sons and daughters-in-law Thomas and Susan, Ronald and Kimberly and Raymond and Laura and to his seven Grandchildren, Katie and husband Kevin, Leah, Ronald and fianc Christine, Thomas and fianc Ellie, Victor, Sean and Raymond. His two Great Grandchildren, Faith and Grayson.

Early in his life he discovered Jazz music and played trumpet in a band. He served proudly in the United States Army. He met and fell in love with the love of his life, Helene. Raising three sons in Staten Island, NY he was often seen cheering them on for their track meets, sharing his love of archery and his unboundless knowledge of house and car repairs. He was a quiet man, but to his family he was larger than life, a strong shoulder to lean on and fierce protector of his family. He graduated Pace University and went on to have a successful career at Revlon in the groundbreaking field of computer programming. He loved his seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren and was a big part of their lives, his lap and scooter were the little ones favorite place to be. He was remarkably close to his sister, Jeanette and his brothers in law Dominick, Eugene and Mario and to his sisters in law, Madeline and Debbie and to his numerous nieces and nephews. They have many friends who he loved to spend time with and enjoy many happy times and so much laughter.

We plan to have a celebration of life for his dear family and friends later this summer when it is safer to gather. Due to Covid, we ask everyone to follow safe protocols, if you plan to join us for the internment. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd. Newtown, PA 18940. If you are uncomfortable with gathering, we ask that you wait and join us this summer when we celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306. www.tunnel2towers.org

Cemetery
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Road
Newtown PA 18940
US

Graveside Service
Monday, April 12, 2021
10:30 AM
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Road
Newtown PA 18940
US

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