Joseph Dominick Onorato

1941 - 2017

1941-2017 Joseph Dominick Onorato passed away suddenly on September 10, 2017 at the age of 76. Joseph was born in Yonkers, New York on April 28, 1941. He moved to South Philadelphia at the age of one, and then moved to Folsom, Delaware County 10 years later. He was educated in the Ridley School District and graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1958. He worked for Boeing-Vertol while earning his Engineering degree. He eventually settled in Swarthmorewood and his family began to grow. He left Boeing for a “temporary” position at Sho-Aids in Folcroft, PA from where he eventually retired in 2017. He moved his family to Springfield in 1982 where he lived for the last 35 years. As patriarch of the family, he was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He valued gatherings, sharing meals, gardening, cooking, entertaining and just having fun. Those who knew him likely experienced his famous “Joe’s Hots”. Christmas was his favorite time of year; being surrounded by family, friends and his beloved dogs brought him the most joy. Joe was the founding member of Club Dewar’s and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Peace Council. He volunteered his time and himself tirelessly and effortlessly throughout the years to support the many functions that benefited the Catholic community. Over the course of his tenure at Sho-Aids, he met and made many friends from all corners of the world. He began as a master carpenter and after four decades of hard work and dedication he retired as company president in June of 2017. His wife, Dianne often traveled with him, both domestic and abroad, making memories that lasted a lifetime. He was predeceased by his wife, Dianne, and his sister Anne Onorato, and his parents Joseph and Concetta (Rossi) Onorato. He is survived by his children, Joseph and Christine with their children Joseph, Dominic and Christopher Onorato; Elizabeth “Peaches” and Andrew “Peno” Procaccio with their children Janet and Steve Cameron and their son Jack, Rachael Cress (Drew Kerr) and Phillip Cress (daughter Keira); Mark and Dolores with their children Mark and Stefan Onorato; Maria Onorato with son William McGinnis. He is also survived by his brothers, Frederick (Edwina), Richard (Lorraine) and Nicholas (Linda) as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. There will be a Viewing on Friday, September 15th at 5 pm and on Saturday, September 16th at 8am, O’Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield PA 19064. His Funeral Mass will be Saturday at 9:30am in St. Kevin Church, Springfield, PA. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery. In lieu of any flowers, the family requests donations in Joe’s name to the Knights of Columbus, Peace Home Association, PO Box 117, Crum Lynn, PA 19022.