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Joseph King Obituary
He was born July 21, 1939, in Montoursville, Pa., son of the late Joseph M. and Ruth E. (Steele) King, and was a 1957 graduate of Montoursville High School. Joe earned his bachelor's degree in engineering mechanics from Lehigh University in 1961 and pursued a master's degree in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965. Mr. King retired in 2001 after 40 years with United Technologies Corp. working in Fuel Cells and other advanced energy technologies. He has been working as a consultant since 2001. Joe was active in alumni affairs of Lehigh University and Sigma Chi social fraternity for many years, with both institutions honoring his service with awards. Among the ones he was most proud of are the James Ward Packard Distinguished Service Award and the Order of Constantine. Joe and Mary attended many, many Lehigh football games, especially the Lehigh-Lafayette game in November. Joe also followed Lehigh wrestling. He enjoyed UConn basketball and attended many games including four women's Final Fours. Joe and Mary enjoyed traveling with friends and family including trips to Italy and a recent trip to Canada. Every summer, the King family vacationed in Quonochontaug, R.I., and every July 4 they attended the King-Steele family reunion in Montoursville. He was devoted to his children, grandchildren, and extended family, as well as to his friends from youth, college, volunteer efforts, and colleagues and maintained regular contact through visits, phone, and correspondence.
In addition to his loving wife he is survived by four children, Kathryn Kopacz and her husband, Richard, along with their two children, Emily and Zachary, all of Windsor; Susan King, also of Windsor; Mary Morgan Beilman, and her husband, Bryon, along with their two children, Abby and Olivia, all of Acton, Mass.; and Joseph John King of Manchester. Other survivors include two brothers, Donald King and his wife, Sharon, of Montoursville and Robert King and his wife, Maggie, of McAlisterville, Pa.; two brothers-in-law, John Laffan and his wife Anne, and Peter Laffan, all of Tampa, Fla.; and friend Jenny Bell of Bella Vista, Ark.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous close friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday May 15, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Burial will be in the East Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lehigh University Development Office, 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015 for the Mary and Joseph King '61 Scholarship.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph King
Glenn Scheffler
June 7, 2010
Mary and Family,
I was surprised and deeply saddened when I heard of Joe's untimely death. I miss those early morning breakfasts at Rein's -- and all those discussions about the good ol' days at IFC, Bethlehem, (of course) Penn State versus Lehigh wrestling. Beverly and I extend our deepest sympathy to you.
Jill Griesing Brown
May 25, 2010
Mary and Family:
I was devastated to learn from my parents that Joe had passed away. I feel so fortunate that I was able to visit with him when he came to Lehigh last year, and I will never forget seeing his smiling face at my first Founders Day ceremony. I will miss our lunches and his encouraging words as I set out on my new career path here. The Griesing family will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out Mary and family....
Donald Milsten
May 24, 2010
My deepest condolences to Mary and family. It was my pleasure and honor to work with Joe over the last 8 months on a CASE energy project. Joe's insight,skill,humor and dedication added immeasurable value to our work. He was a constant colleague and he is deeply missed.
Bob Colonna
May 23, 2010
Mary and Family
I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Joe. We were were neighbors in Richards Dorm freshman year and I struggled through four years of Engineering Mechanics with him as I did not share his brilliance. Every association with him from at Lehigh from the IFC to working with him on fund raising showed me he was a classy, caring, and well grounded person. I feel fortunate to have known him and will miss him.
Bob Colonna '61
Jay and Gladie Stedman
May 19, 2010
I worked with Joe for over 30 years and always enjoyed his company and respected his intellect and dedication to our goals. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Roy Martins
May 19, 2010
To Mary, I worked with Joe at Lehigh and Vonnie and I last enjoyed visiting with you both at Sayre Mansion at our 45th reunion.
Typical of Joe, he was enjoying the reunion but also working hard to reconcile and bond the class of 61 with the university. He was a very selfless man and will be missed by us all.
Michael Kuenne
May 19, 2010
I worked with Joe over the years as a Sigma Chi and with the GAC. If it weren't for Joe's efforts, I may have never had the opportunity to become a Sigma Chi which has been a major part of my life. Joe, has left. Lehigh, Sigma Chi and this world a much better place and I was honored to know and have worked with him. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
May 18, 2010
I was shocked to hear of Joe's death--we worked together for many years on the awards committee--his comments and advice on nominees were always right on the money--I always looked forward to seeing Joe when Lehigh was involved in New England sporting events--Lehigh will miss Joe--please give my condolences to his family--Sincerely--Sam Croll '45
Meredith Duggan
May 17, 2010
Mary (Morgan) and the King family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Dad. My heart goes out to you and you are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Meredith Duggan (MHS '88)
Jane English
May 17, 2010
Joe and my dad were both Sigma Chi's, so Joe always called him 'Brother Harold', which pleased my dad no end! Joe has been wonderful about keeping in touch over the years since we were kids, especially to rub it in when Lehigh beat Bucknell -- in ANYTHING! I appreciate so much that Bob thought to call me, and am grateful to be able to offer my condolences to you all. With sincere sympathy, Jane (Reuning) English
Gail Wojciechowski
May 17, 2010
To Mary and all of Joe's wonderful family. My husband and I both had the pleasure of working with Joe for so many years. Joe was the most wonderful, kind and gentle man. I still remember when we both started having grandchildren, sharing the precious pictures with each other. Joe was so proud of each and every one. Joe's love of his entire family was always obvious.
We were away last week and just got back to hear the sad news and so sorry we were unable to attend the services. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's entire family. He will be deeply missed by all. May Joe rest in peace.
Gail and Pete Wojciechowski
Kathy Basil
May 17, 2010
Dear Mary and Family,
I just learned today from my father, of Joe's sudden passing. I am so very sorry, my heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time. I know exactly what you are going through. Its difficult, but it gets easier over time. I can just hear my Mom and Joe laughing together in heaven. God bless him and your family.
Kathy (Clemens) Basil
Alison Romkey
May 17, 2010
Susan, words cannot express my sorrow to hear of your father's passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this sorrowful time. I am sorry that I could not make the service, I was out of town. I know there is absolutely nothing I can say to help you through this, but if you need to talk, please call or email me.
May 16, 2010
Dear Mary & Family,
My heart goes out to all of you in your painful sadness. His work here was done, and he did it so well. May time heal your hearts, so you can smile and bask in the comforting warmth of the cherished memories you will lovingly share. Peace to you all.
Fondly,
Marilyn Meyers
Manchester CT
Bill Burgin
May 16, 2010
We will always remember and miss our fraternity brother Joe King. Along with his service to all of Lehigh University, he drew Sigma Chi's from various classes together at tail gates and other events, following up with humorous reports.
I last visited with Joe at a meeting recently held at Lehigh to plan the Class Reunions of 2011. How sad Joe will not be there to chair his 50th reunion.
Our deep condolences go to his family and many friends.
Bill Burgin
Sigma Chi
Lehigh U. '56
John Lane
May 16, 2010
Mary I just wanted to say again how sad I am about Joe's passing. He, you and your children have been good friends to me for a very long time! I will miss him as I know all of you will. I will always remember him as a sincere family man who was open to helping his friends when needed. He was a man who lived by the Golden Rule for all the time I knew him. He taught by example but wasn't shy in defending his positions.
I wish the best for you all in the future. I have many fond memories of Joe and will treasure his friendship always.
John Lane
May 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We pray God will comfort you during this time of loss. God's peace be with you all.
Richard and Linda (Heil) Carl
John & Barbara DeLuco
May 15, 2010
Mary, We were so shocked and sad to hear of Joe's passing. Joe was a great, compassionate and caring person. It was a great honor to have worked for and learned from him. After we moved to SC, Joe kept me informed of news regarding fuel cells events and coworkers who have passed away. We would look forward to having lunch when we made our trips to CT. My heart goes out to you and your family. He was so very proud of his children and beamed when talking about his grandchildren. He was a great mentor to any new hires and would give them a wealth of information on the fuel cell business. He was taken too soon. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I will miss his smiling "baby face".
May 14, 2010
Joe was a wonderful person-- a mentor, a colleague, and most of all, a friend. He was tireless, dedicated, and an inspriation to all of us who knew and worked with him from our days at UTC. He had a great sense of humor and wit; he was one of those rare people that shared his life with all of us.
Joe cherished his family, and our heartfelt condolences go out to Mary and all of the family.
Herb and Sheila Healy (Stoddard, NH)
Tobin Family
May 14, 2010
We are truly sorry for your loss.
Phil Mezey
May 14, 2010
Those of us active in Lehigh alumni affairs recognize what a tremendous loss Joe's passing will be to his alma mater. No one in the Class of '61 was more dedicated or harder working for Lehigh's benefit. We will all miss him and the spirit he brought to all his efforts on Lehigh's behalf.
Carl & Shirley Banic
May 14, 2010
I'm very sorry to hear of Joe's sudden passing. We are in Austin Texas and unable to attend the services. I worked with Joe for many years at IFC on several projects. Joe was a great one work with. He will be missed.
Guy and Laurie Hatch
May 14, 2010
I loved working with Joe and he was a great friend. He read everything and remembered what he read. I have never known anyone who was as prolific a writer on such a wide variety of topics; he was fun to be with. He always spoke of his family, his many interests, and his friends and I will miss his stories and insight. One of my favorites referenced his destiny to marry Mary- he was "Jo-king" and she was "Merry Laughin". Our condolences to Mary and his family.
David Joseph
May 14, 2010
My words cannot begin to express the sorrow I feel for you and your family at this time of loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Joe was certainly a man of dignity, professionalism, inspiration and compassion. He touched many lives at Lehigh University and I am happy I was one of them. He is what I refer to as one of the "genuinely good guys". Joe was always a pleasure to work with and always had a kind word to say. He will be missed. Again, my condolences.
Vince Fiore
May 13, 2010
Joe was a great man. I have known Joe for over 35 years. He brought many smiles to many people with his great sense of humor. His actions always showed me that he was a giving person and that said a lot about him. He will be missed.
Art Kesten
May 13, 2010
What a wonderful guy to interact with! I met Joe when I was at the Research Center and he was leading the Fuel Cell operation. We worked together then and again when Joe had retired and was consulting for the Connecticut Academy. He had an affection for the people he worked with and the fuel cell technology he was working on. He knew the history of the fuel cell and retained the sense of wonder at what it would become. He welcomed anybody who felt he could contribute to that future. He was a pleasure to be around and I will miss him dearly.
I do remember with a smile the time that I arrived in South Windsor for an important meeting with Joe and the troops, and I saw Marianne Pemberton. She worked in one of the labs there and, because I had known her for many years, I greeted her with a kiss. Joe had never expected that any ‘outsider’ would show up at a key meeting and kiss one of his technicians.
Kimberly Gilligan
May 13, 2010
Mary,Bryon,Abbie,Oliva and the entire King family...We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much Much Love, Kimberly, Terry, Liam, & Durham Gilligan
Bill Schoner
May 13, 2010
Mary
Diana and I want to convey our deepest sympathy. We are in Oregon visiting our son Paul and will be unable to attend the services.
I enjoyed Joe's friendship for 40 years, ever since we started the Connecticut Lehigh Club. More recently, attending Lehigh events and visiting with other classmates of our era was something I looked forward to.
I will miss his friendship.
Bill Schoner
May 13, 2010
What a wonderful man. A Genteel person and a humble person. I am honored to have known such a great man. He will continue to be an inspiration to me for always. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope that you know that he will always be quite alive in all our hearts. I respected and loved him as a great person and wonderful man. Thank you Joe for being my friend. Betty Fisher
lori maynard
May 13, 2010
mary & family,
you all are in my thoughts and prayers. joe maybe only here in spirits and our hearts. he will always be watching over all of you. he will be greatly missed he was always such a pleasant man. he maybe gone but will never be forgotten.
lori maynard (from lenox)
Michael & Carole Heil Drabo
May 13, 2010
We are saddened by the news of Joe's death. He has been a rock and source of strength to your family.
We pray that the assurance of eternal life brings you not only comfort, but hope in this time of sorrow.
Don Maricle
May 13, 2010
May he rest in everlasting peace
Dave Hapke
May 13, 2010
Mary - Jan and I are sad to hear of Joe's passing. Since I first met him 53 years ago as a Freshman, he has been for me a model of quiet leadership and friendship.
His contributions to Lehigh University and the Class of 1961 have been tremendous. We will truly miss him.
Most of all. I believe I have lost a great friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
May 13, 2010
To the King Family,
I had the pleasure of working closely with Joe for the past five years. He was a man of values, intregrity and passion. Joe was the type of man that we hope our students learn from and espouse to be. Joe will be missed greatly, but he will not be forgotten.
Tim Wilkinson, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Lehigh University
Diane Hooie
May 13, 2010
So young, and too soon. We will all miss Joe. I enjoyed working with him at SWEF both when I was there and after. I am proud to say he was a friend and an inspiration and am sorry to hear of his passing.
Holmes Funeral Home Watkins Funeral Home
May 13, 2010
With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.
Ellen de Lemos Forte
May 13, 2010
Mary Morgan and her entire family,
We are so sad to hear of the loss of your dear Dad. Our love and thoughts are with you and your family.
The de Lemos-Forte family
Leslie Bevis
May 13, 2010
I am so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Leslie Johnson Bevis
May 13, 2010
Mary, We were so sorry to hear the news about Joe. He has been a great friend for many years and one of my main contacts with Connecticut now that we're in Illinois. You have our sincere sympathy.
Vern and Phyllis Eklund
Jeff Shaffer
May 13, 2010
I met Joe through the Sigma Chi House Corporation at Lehigh University. I was immediately impressed with his quiet leadership and the passion that he put into whatever he was doing. His many qualities set a wonderful example which I will miss. My sincere condolences.
Renzo Falcinelli
May 13, 2010
To Mary and the rest of the family. It was with great sadness that Nancy and I heard about Joe's passing. He was a wonderful, always cheerful and positive man and one of my best friends at SWEF. I know you will miss him terribly and my heart goes out to you. May God bless you and comfort you.
May 13, 2010
Mary and all -
It was with great sadness that Jean and I heard yesterday of Joe's passing. As I know all of you also are asking, how can Joe, the person with whom all of us socialized last month at the Lehigh dinner, not be around to continue to share happenings related to Montoursville, Lehigh, United Technologies, Connecticut WBB, and all things related to family.
Jean and I are travelling and thus won't be able to come to the viewing or funeral. Please know that Joe and all of you are in our hearts and will remain there.
Jean and John Bennett
Jennifer Baver-Ranallo
May 13, 2010
Mary,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 13, 2010
To the entire King Family,
I want you to know that the Lehigh family shares in the mourning of your loss. I just received an email from Joe on Sunday informing me (a Lafayette Alumni that works at Lehigh) that his grand-nephew received Lafayette's prestigious Pepper Prize. He was so proud and he always took delight in teasing me about my "lafayette roots". I will miss him dearly. He was a kind, passionate, and giving man who worked tirelessly in service to Lehigh's students. Rest in Peace Joe, you left us far too soon. With sympathy, Sharon Basso, Dean of Students Lehigh University
Lisa Hersh
May 13, 2010
When I started my position at Lehigh University as a gift officer, Joe was the first alum who came to visit me. He offered me much advice and wisdom on all things Lehigh, and he taught me a great deal. I will miss seeing him around campus - he always brought such joy and enthusiasm. My thoughts are with his family.
May 13, 2010
To Mary and family,
Goody and I will miss Joe and his wonderful sense of humor and timing. We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lois and Goody
Mike Rhoads
May 13, 2010
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Joe. I remember playing football with Joe at MHS and staying in touch through our college years.
God bless you all
May 13, 2010
Kathy & Family
Our hearts break for you with the unexpected loss of your father. We are thinking of you. You are loved. The Tappenden Family
Marty Schmitt
May 13, 2010
My family and I wish to pass along our condolences to all of Joe's family and many freinds. As the son of one of Joe's many coleagues and a dear freind, John Schmitt, I am aware of what a great person Joe was. He offered our family love and support while my mother and father became ill over the last couple of years and we will always be grateful for his compassion.
Laura Hanlan
May 13, 2010
To Mrs King, Joe, Susan, Mary, and Kathy. A beautiful memorial to a wonderful, brilliant and hilarious man who I will miss very much. I am thinking of all of you with sympathy and love. I feel very lucky to have known Mr King for so many years and to have so many wonderful memories of time spent with all of you. With love, Laura Hanlan and family
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