Joseph M. "Joe" Bilbow

Joseph M. Bilbow, 74, of West Pittston, passed away at his home Sunday, May 8, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born Oct. 21, 1947, in Scranton, son of the late Joseph and Virginia Mason Bilbow. He was a graduate of Dunmore High School, University of Scranton and earned a master's degree in sociology from Penn State, University Park.

Joe was president and CEO of Step-by-Step for many years and served the community through numerous charitable organizations, including the Blind Association, Kiwanis Club, Valley Santa, Forty Fort Borough Council president, Salvation Army, SPCA, St. Vincent's Food Kitchen and Wyoming Valley Striders. He was an integral part of running the family business, E.W. Bilbow Abstract.

Joe's retirement days were filled with managing several properties, running the household and caring for family members. He enjoyed many hobbies ranging from the usual - gardening, fishing, golfing, cooking, watching football games - to the quirky - wine/beer making, bird and squirrel watching and collecting rare books, all while wearing logo baseball caps, Penn State hats being his favorite. He had an exceptional green thumb with a variety of crops. And like MacGyver, Joe would amaze his family by engineering many hack inventions, usually involving duct tape, to help solve household issues.

Joe was an inspiration to all who knew him always with a smile on his face. Being present for family was Joe's most important gift. Nothing came before the ones he loved, not even himself. He always found time for every member of the family. He was the most loving, empathetic, generous, patient, positive, humorous and caring person. He was our everything.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Tomasch Bilbow. They recently celebrating a monumental 50th wedding anniversary. Joe and Betty had a collaborative and caring relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. Joe will be deeply missed by his children, Melissa; Jonathan and his wife, Kathleen; and Emily. He will be fondly remembered by his four adoring grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Olivia, Leo, Elizabeth and Andie. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Elizabeth Meehan; and many cherished, extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held July 16 at his favorite place, the Bilbow Lake House. Family and friends can contact Melissa.bilbow@gmail.com for details.

Memorial donations may be made to Valley Santa Inc., PO Box 5276, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703; or the Forty Forty Pool Fund, 1271 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort, PA 18704 in Joe's honor. You can keep Joe's spirit alive by doing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for another person or animal as he had daily.

For information or to send the family a condolence, please visit www.hughbhughes.com.