Thomas Verbonitz

Thomas J. Verbonitz, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Nancy L. (Fistner) Verbonitz, lovingly married for 37 years. Tom was born January 31,1937 in Drums, PA to the late Joseph and Anna (Danko) Verbonitz. He graduated from Lehigh University with his Bachelors of Science in 1958 and with his MBA in 1960. He was a member of the ROTC, Alpha Kappa Psi, Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma. After serving in the U.S. Army briefly, Tom returned to Lehigh University for a 35 year career, acting in various capacities, including Director of Administrative and Personnel Services, where he oversaw the mailroom, human resources and the transportation department where he implemented Lehigh's first bus. He retired in 1995 as the Director of Risk Management and Insurance. After retirement he and Nancy enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting his daughter and 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. In his younger years he enjoyed taking Matthew to the baseball field and Samantha to the playground and enjoyed watching them play from sidelines as they grew. Tom was a true sports fan, 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 (Andrew Shapiro) Verbonitz of Tiburon, CA; stepson: Robb M. (Jennifer L.) Simmers of Bethlehem; siblings: Robert Verbonitz of Chambersburg, Helen Thomas of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren: Matthew Simmers, Samantha Simmers, Jadon Shapiro, Olivia Shapiro; great granddaughter: Lyza Simmers. Predeceased by his stepson: Todd E. Simmers; brother: James P.

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's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org