Joseph D. Birmingham, 81, passed early Thursday morning at home with family. He was the devoted husband of K. Joan (Henson) Birmingham for the past 61 years. They began as childhood neighbors and playmates at the ages of 5 and 7 years old and have been together ever since.
Born in Shenandoah, PA. in 1937, he was a son of the late John Sr. and Helen (Shustack) Birmingham. He held onto memories and frequently told stories of being a young child in the coal region.
Joe is survived by his children: Randall L. Birmingham of Reading; Twin Sons, Wayne J. husband of Elisa Birmingham and Dwayne J. Birmingham, both of Hereford; Monica R. wife of Randall Muennink of New Braunfels, TX; Diana L. wife of Christopher Trout of Birdsboro and his siblings: Edward Birmingham, Anne Kelsh and Rita Reigner. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He was a family man who took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Joe started out as a barber, then worked as a supervisor at DANA Corp for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors. Over the years he could be found hunting, fishing, walking in the woods, or just sitting and whistling back at the birds. He appreciated the serenity of nature and loved the solitude of his mountains. He sampled many different hobbies throughout his life: from gardening and yardwork, tinkering, bowling, golfing, and bread baking, to raising chickens and turkeys and growing blueberries.
Joe was silly and had a sense of humor like no other. He danced countless children on his feet, shook the hands of all men equally, and helped his family whenever and wherever he was needed. He will be greatly missed but the warmth of his love will be felt forever.
Joe was a long-time member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church 127 Jefferson St. Stowe, PA 19464.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church on Wednesday July 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM
Family and friends may call at the church Wednesday from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made on Joseph’s name to ALS Hope Foundation 3509 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA. 19140
Interment will be in Limerick Garden of Memories.
Arrangements by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc., 111 North Reading Ave. Boyertown
Online condolences may be made at www.lwottfuneralhome.com
