Thomas J. Verbonitz

Thomas J. Verbonitz, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Nancy L. (Fistner) Verbonitz, lovingly married for 37 years. Born January 31, 1937, in Drums, PA, Tom was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Danko) Verbonitz. He graduated as Salutatorian from MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, PA, in 1954. Awarded a full scholarship to Lehigh University, he earned his Bachelor of Science in 1958 and his MBA in 1960. At Lehigh, he was active in ROTC and the honor societies Alpha Kappa Psi, Beta Alpha Psi, and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Tom started his career in the Systems Department at PP&L before returning to Lehigh, where he enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career. He held senior roles, including Director of Administrative and Personnel Services, overseeing Human Resources, the mailroom, and Transportation, where he established Lehigh's first shuttle bus system. Tom retired in 1995 as the founding Director of Risk Management and Insurance. In retirement he and Nancy enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting Tom's daughter Kimberly and her family in California, spending time in Avalon, New Jersey and snowbirding in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Tom had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and cherished his time spent celebrating their music, sports, and milestones. Tom was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He rooted for all Lehigh sports, but his favorite was watching Lehigh Wrestling at Grace Hall. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox and Notre Dame fan. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem Twp.

Survivors: In addition to his loving wife; daughter: Kimberly Verbonitz and her husband Andrew Shapiro of Tiburon, CA; stepson: Robb M. and his wife Jennifer L. Simmers of Bethlehem; siblings: Robert Verbonitz of Chambersburg, Helen Thomas of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren: Jadon Shapiro, Olivia Shapiro, Matthew Simmers, Samantha Simmers; great granddaughter: Lyza Simmers. Predeceased by his stepson: Todd E. Simmers; brother: James P. Verbonitz.

Services: Friends and family are invited to gather 10am Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. The inurnment will conclude at Holy Ghost Cemetery, Bethlehem with Military Honors. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org