Joseph A. Santangini, Jr.

Joseph A. Santangini, Jr. 59, of Bethlehem passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. He was born September 21, 1964 and was the son of Joseph A. Santangini, Sr. of Bethlehem and the late Maryann (DiPrimio) Santangini. Joe was truly one-of-a-kind; known better as “Chef Joe” he was a thoughtful, caring and wonderful man. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Easton. Joe started his amazing career in culinary working at the Holiday Inn in Bethlehem. He was then accepted to the Lawrence Rockefeller Culinary program. Early in his career he worked at Woodstock Inn, VT, Grand Teton Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, the Saddlebrook Resort in Florida and a few years later Hotel Hershey. His performance led him to Executive Chef working for many resorts and cooking for many prestigious people, Presidents Ronald Regan, George H. Bush and celebrities Harrison Ford, George Clooney to name a few. He later went on to work resorts in Vermont, Jamaica, Jackson Hole, WY, Sarasota, FL, and British Virgin Islands. Joe was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, Bethlehem

Survivors: In addition to his father; brother: Richard (Chandra) Santangini of Topton; nephew and nieces: Sadie Santangini, Joseph Santangini, Jana (Matt) Warnken; great niece: Wren Warnken. He was predeceased by his sister: Analisa DeFilippo and nephew: Thomas G. DeFilippo, Jr.

Services: Friends and family are invited to his visitation 10-11am Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a prayer service at 11am. The inurnment will conclude services at the Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be offered www.connellfuneral.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, 1861 Catasauqua Road-Bethlehem, PA 18018 and/or Notre Dame High School, 3417 Church Road, Easton, PA 18045.