Joseph A. Pasco Jr.

Joseph A. Pasco, Jr., known affectionately as Joe to his friends and family, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 30, 2024, at the age of 90. Born in Shamokin, PA, Joe was the youngest of seven children born to the late Joseph A. Pasco, Sr. and Anastasia (Stalcoski) Pasco. Joe started shining shoes for his father at the age of 10. These early years in Shamokin laid a strong foundation for the remarkable and hardworking man he would become. A proud 1952 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Allentown, Joe went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army, using his cobbler skills to repair the canvas on army trucks. This period of his life instilled in him a deep sense of duty and patriotism. Upon returning to civilian life, Joe met and married the love of his life, Maria (Parra) Pasco. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, spanning over 64 years of companionship, support, and mutual respect.
Joe's professional life was characterized by his entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional work ethic. As one of Bethlehem's favorite cobblers, he owned and operated Joe Pasco Shoe Repair beginning on Main Street then later moving to New Street in Bethlehem, until retiring at the age of 82. Being one of the last original shoe repairmen in the Lehigh Valley, Joe often referred to himself as the "Last of the Mohicans."
He served the community with skill, a friendly chat or a joke for anyone who walked through his doors. His reputation for quality craftsmanship and reliability made him a respected figure in the Lehigh Valley as well as in the Lehigh Valley Shoe Repairmen Assoc. A faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Bethlehem, Joe's faith was a cornerstone of his life. His voice was a familiar and cherished addition to the church choir, where he sang with passion and devotion. Joe enjoyed bowling at the Bethlehem Panthers and The Hungarian Catholic Club. He also was an avid fan of the Eagles, Phillies and 76ers following their seasons with enthusiasm and unwavering support.
Joe's green thumb was evident in the vibrant garden he cultivated, most notably his prized tomatoes. His love for gardening was paralleled by his joy in traveling with his wife, where they created countless memories. Joe was also known for his quick wit and playful sense of humor. His stories, jokes and laughter will be deeply missed.
Survivors: In addition to his loving wife Maria, he will be lovingly remembered by his children Joseph Pasco, III of Vero Beach, FL, Michael Pasco and his wife Candice of Whitehall, Carmen Beinhauer and her husband Wray of Lancaster, Steven Pasco of Bethlehem, two loving grandchildren, Troy and Nash and many nieces and nephews. Joe was also preceded in death by his siblings Edward, Veronica, Francis, Carolyn, Mary Ann and John as well as his dearly loved 4-legged fur baby, Louie.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road Bethlehem, PA 18020 where the family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the mass in the church. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Joe's arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralahome.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Lehigh Valley Hospice, Office of Philanthropy, Lehigh Valley Health Network, P.O. Box 1883 Allentown, PA 18105 or to the Purple Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 49 Annandale, VA 22003.
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