Joseph Richard Kucharik
97 years of age and Whitehall resident, passed away peacefully on Monday October 29, 2018 surrounded by his loving and dedicated family. He was the devoted husband of Catherine M. “Bonnie” (Bonenberger) Kucharik for 65 years at the time of her passing on May 7, 2009, and loving Father of 9 children, 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was a son of the late John and Mary (Katerinec) Kucharik. Joe was an active member of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church supporting the Church as a Lector, Usher, Eucharistic Minister, Bingo Master and Master of Ceremonies for the Golden Agers, involved in the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Church, remodeling of the Parish Hall and Parish Festivals. Joe and Catherine also cared for foster children and refugees. A graduate of Allentown High School, he was a 1935 and 1936 winner of the Amateur Bicycle League, and was also an original member of the Allentown Wheelman Cycle Team. Joe was employed by Bradley Pulverizer as a machinist for 46 years until retiring.
He is survived by a brother Paul Kucharik, Shelton, WA; daughters Nancy at home, Joanne wife of Raymond Laudenslager of Allentown; sons Richard and his wife Brenda of Breinigsville, Joseph, Jr, and his wife Teresa of New Cumberland, Thomas and his wife Ellen of Wexford, James and his wife Karen of Northampton and Francis and his wife Ginger of Kingston, NY; grandchildren Jonathan, Heather, Christopher, Adam, Brian, Rebecca, Eric, Scott, Jason, Shawn, Jana, Rachael, Nathan, Erin, Mark, Patrick, Jeremy and Mitchell; greatgrandchildren Paige, Landon, Lydia, Zachary, Drew, Addie, Emily, Autumn, Chase, Ethan, Will, Charlotte, Aaron, Elliott, Sophia, Hailey, Claire, Alice, Luke, Aesun, Morgan and Eloise Joy; step grandchildren Damian,
Lexi and Camryn; sisters in law Margaret Bonenberger of Allentown and Margaret Bonenberger of Whitehall; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family; also predeceased by daughter Catherine, son Michael, five sisters and three brothers.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. John S. Pendzick at 10:00 am on Monday, November 19, 2018 in Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Avenue, Whitehall, PA 18052. Family and Friends may pay their respects beginning at 8:30 am in the Church Foyer. Interment in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem will be private for his family. Memorial contributions honoring Joe may be presented to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Avenue Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052
The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements
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