Joseph J. Bonner

With profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Joseph J. Bonner, 70, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus in Easton. A devoted husband, father, brother, and grandpa, Joe built a life centered on caring for his family, serving his community, and enjoying the people and places around him.

Joe was born Thursday, May 24, 1956 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania the son of the late James and Loretta (Sweeney) Bonner. Joe grew up in Summit Hill, PA and graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 1974. Shortly after, he earned his welding certifications and was hired at Air Products and Chemicals in Hometown, PA. In 1987, he met the love of his life, Sandy, and together they welcomed their sons Aaron and Drew shortly thereafter. His primary objective was taking care of his family and giving his children a wonderful life. He retired from Air Products in 2017 after being a trusted and respected team member for over 30 years.

Dedicated to his community, he was a member of the Tamaqua Elks, St. John XXIII R.C.C. of Tamaqua, and the Panther Valley Irish American Association. He also served as treasurer of the Tamaqua Area Adult Day Care and delivered Meals on Wheels weekly. A lover of football, he worked as a PIAA official for many years and was an avid fan of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Later his fandom shifted to support Drew’s professional career as a marching band director, leading him to enthusiastically cheer for the Texas Longhorns and, most recently, the Iowa Hawkeyes. He spent much of his free time outdoors, often fishing, but his love of golf surpassed all other hobbies, especially in his later years as a member of the Mountain Valley Senior Golf League. He was also an avid reader and owned one of the first Amazon Kindles. His golden years were spent traveling with Sandy to visit family and friends across the country and abroad.

He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, humor and storytelling, which he never, ever exaggerated. He was always ready to entertain a big idea or to go on an adventure. More than anything, he will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends. His beloved neighborhood friend group, The Brew Crew, met regularly in his backyard. Throughout his 38 year marriage, he cared for Sandy through health challenges and supported his children through college and into their careers. Becoming “Grandpa” to Mila and Arlo brought him tremendous joy, and he cherished every moment they shared.

Joe is survived by his wife Sandy; sons Aaron R. Bonner and his wife, Maria, and Dr. Drew J. Bonner and his wife, Presley; grandchildren Mila, Arlo, and unborn granddaughter Mia Everly; brother Thomas Bonner and his wife, Susan; sisters Mary Dakosty and her husband, Stan Sr., and Elizabeth Mongi and her husband, Rob; sister-in-law Barbara Bonner, wife of his late brother, Dr. James J. Bonner; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

A public visitation will be held from the funeral home on Friday evening November 6, 2026 from 5 to 7:00 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial in Joe's name will be celebrated on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 10:00 A.M from St. John XXIII 309 Pine Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Interment St. Jerome R.C.C. Cemetery Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

Memorials in Joe's name to: Tamaqua Area Adult Day Care Center 801 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252

Online condolences or a fond memory may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com