Joseph J. Hilton

June 28, 1934 - February 26, 2022

Joseph J. Hilton, 87, of Bethlehem, relocated to Heaven, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Joe was the loving husband of Ann (Gernat) Hilton for 63 years. Born in Patterson, NJ, he was the son of Mathilda (Pfister) and Charles F. Hilton. Joe grew up in Passaic and Clifton, NJ and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson with a BS in Physics. A dedicated employee with a full career, he served as a President at Piller, Inc., Bethlehem; and previously, as Division President, Raytheon Corporation, Waltham, MA and was Vice President ITT Electron Tube, Easton. Joe served in the US Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was a member of the National Guard. Joe also served on the Hanover Township Planning Commission, Northampton County Judge of Elections, and Economic Development for the State of Pennsylvania. A very active member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, he served as an usher, funeral server, Eucharistic Minister, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Name Society, summer carnivals, and he was a Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Council 313. Joe loved life. He was a model train enthusiast, worked extensively on the family tree (few introductions were needed on Saturday), he enjoyed traveling and adventures; a good, stiff whiskey sour, and an extra thick chocolate milk shake, but those rarely at the same time. Surviving Joe are his wife, Ann; children, Joseph Jr. and wife, Carol; Dr. Eileen Epsaro; Judi Kravatz; and Thomas; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He always had our backs through thick-n-thin, and we will miss him tremendously. Joe was predeceased by his parents; infant son, Christopher John; son-in-law, Craig Epsaro; and his brother, Charles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 9-10 a.m. at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018 immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the church. Burial will be held Holy Saviour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and/or, Smile Train. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com. Streaming information: Connell Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom event. Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Hilton Time: Sat., Mar 5, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81537591006?pwd=VVM4aWUxenBMYk1LQ2tGeFVWRWRhdz09 Meeting ID: 815 3759 1006 Passcode: 549705 One tap mobile +13017158592,,81537591006#,,,,*549705# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,81537591006#,,,,*549705# US (Chicago)