FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOMES SINCE 1881
| Joseph Hanna |
| December 14, 1924 - July 10, 2020 |
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ContactsFuneral Home - Wetzel and Son Funeral Home - 501 Easton Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 - 215-659-0911 - Map |
The following tribute was written by Joe’s family:
Joseph Hanna, 95 years old, was born and raised in Allentown, Pa. In his recent years Joseph resided with his daughter, and her husband and children in Roslyn (Abington) Pa. Joseph passed peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was, much like his wife Pauline, a true example of perseverance, strength, integrity and compassion.
He was the last surviving, youngest member of the Hanna family. Joseph’s parents, Anna (Haneh) & Anthony, started their family in El-Zwaytini, Syria. His very first sibling, Affifi, was born and raised in Syria, while Joseph and the rest of his elder-siblings: Sadie, Alfred, George, Charles, and Abraham were all born and raised in Allentown Pa. He was married to Pauline “Polly” P. (deceased in July of 2013, for whom he was a loving caregiver) for 55 years of marriage. Pauline adored her husband.
Joseph was a WWII Veteran, and served in what was formerly known as the Army Air Corps, (now the Air Force) trained as an airplane mechanic at the young age of 18. Three of his brothers were also Veterans of WWII. After being honorably discharged after the war, and receiving an Associates degree from Allentown Business School, he landed a job with the Bethlehem Steel Corp. where he remained employed for nearly 40 years as an Inspector. Joseph was known at “the Steel” for having an eye for detail, and a lot of compassion for all of the stray cats that wandered around the Bethlehem Steel grounds. Joseph fed all of strays and on occasion would bring one home for each of his adult children or their friends to adopt. If he’d had the resources, he would’ve adopted every stray cat or dog that crossed his path.
Joe had a great sense of humor and was well-known for being a very “smooth” dancer, (one of his attributes that brought Polly & Joe together.) They both had a great love of music, enjoyed getting dressed to the nines and going to nightclubs where they could dance the night away. They were both known for being sharp dressers, and seeing them together, dressed for a night out was a sight to behold. Joe & Polly enjoyed Big Band music like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James Band, along with favorites like Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima & Keely Smith, and Nat King Cole Trio to name a few. He liked to tell stories of the old days with his crew of neighborhood characters. Joe’s family would joke that Joe was a member of “the Rat Pack.”
Joe often spoke about taking Polly to Miami Beach for their honeymoon in 1958. His old neighborhood pal Willie Restum was a Jazz Saxophonist with a regular gig at the very popular hotel in Miami where Joe & Polly were staying. (Willie opened for many of the above-mentioned musicians at the hotel.) He’d found out that Joe and Pauline were honeymooning at his hotel and made sure that they were very well taken care of by the hotel management. When they showed up at the nightclub to see him perform, he loudly announced that they were on their honeymoon, asking for a round of applause requesting that the nightclub floor management move them to the best table in the house. Polly and Joe would always enjoy recalling memories of those days and their many adventures together. Pauline adored Joe’s friendly way with people and his great sense of humor.
Joseph loved a good poker game and when he was a younger man, loved going to the horse races. He’d taught Polly and the girls how to pick a horse and place a bet. “Win”, “ Place”, or “ Show”. On a number of wedding anniversaries his family would take Joe & Polly to Atlantic City for a long weekend to play the slots and play Joe’s favorite casino game of blackjack. He’d had many fond memories of late Saturday evening Poker nights with his wife, her sisters and his brother in law with lots of wise-cracking and loud laughter late into the evening. He had great memories of Sunday dinners at his sister Sadie’s, enjoying her amazing Syrian cooking (taught to her by their mother, and the best in town). Joe always enjoyed seeing his very dear nieces and nephews and later on enjoyed spending time with his Grand-nephews and nieces and loved their many trips to the local Casinos.
Even at the age of 95, Joseph was interested in World news and could hold a lively conversation about politics and current events. His daughter’s dear friends would enjoy chatting with him and always remarked about his very sharp wit and great sense of humor. He followed political news right up until his passing. He and his brothers were lifelong members of the 6th Ward Democratic Club on 2nd Street in Allentown, where his brother George Hanna was president for a number of years.
Joe’s friends from “the Club” were a crew of interesting characters each with his own nickname. Snake, Five-Six, Sweat, DF, Jimmy Bananas, Jimmy Puff, Sideways, Shortcake, Bucky, Chippy, Sammy Fats, and Ickish to name a few. Joe’s nickname stuck from the time he was a young boy and well into old-age: “Joey Squeezer”. He was younger than the rest of the Club-crew, but they’d permitted him to hang around and learn how to shoot craps at the age of 14, (as long as he’d run to the deli for sandwiches during their card games.) Joe would tell stories of this cast of characters for hours, he could remember a new hilarious story for every day of the week. The “6th Ward Demos” as it was called, was filled with an amazing mixture of nationalities... where else could you find a poker table surrounded by Syrian, German, Ukrainian, Jewish, Hungarian, Italian and Irish guys all pals, all getting along, and all crazy about poker.
He, along with all of his siblings had inherited from his Mother, Anna (Haneh Al-Hamati, born in Tannourine, Lebanon) a love and strong compassion for animals and a generous, heart of gold. Joe was a man who spoke his mind, who never grew too rigid with age to accept new ideas and he was always able to face new challenges.
One of those challenges was when his wife Pauline, was diagnosed with MS at the age of 39. Their children, Sharon and Lisa, were ages 8 and 5 years of age at this time, and the challenge was huge. He became their “Lion”, their champion, their rock. He handled becoming a caregiver to his wife, with bravery, grace and a heart full of love, fully dedicated to her care and the care of his daughters. He was Pauline’s caregiver for over 4 decades in her battle with MS, along with his own health issues...never swaying, never weakening, always doing his best for his family, all the while not ever losing his sense of humor.
He was solid as a rock for his family, and Joe had an open mind, well into old age. “Who am I to judge?!”, was something you’d hear him say in his later years. Always open to a change of heart, always resilient in every sense of the word. Joseph was selfless, generous, and had no tolerance for greed, cruelty or bullying of any kind. He’d had a full and interesting life, but at the age of 95, had said he’d hoped to “stick around a while longer” to see some positive changes in the world.
He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his daughters, Lisa Hanna-Castaldi and Sharon Hanna. Son-in-law, Louis Castaldi, daughter-in-law Charlene Trumbower, and his two Granddaughters, Hannah, 20 and Sophia, 14. He’ll be greatly missed by his many loving nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, as well as his loving neighbors, therapists, and family friends. He will be especially missed by the family pup, “Maisy” with whom he was thoroughly and completely bonded and who is missing her loving “Jiddoo”.
We’re picturing him now with his beloved Polly, and his brothers, sisters, parents, dear friends and departed family pets ... somewhere up there, where it’s peaceful and where there is no pain, where he is surrounded by only love. He was loved so very dearly, and he will forever be our Hero, the best Dad, the best husband, the best brother, the best pop-pop-Jiddoo, the best friend, the best Uncle, Joe “Squeezer” Hanna. We will miss you so. ❤️ߒ
Due to Covid-19 restrictions remaining unchanged there was a small gravesite service to Inter his ashes on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11:00 am in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fullerton Ave. Whitehall Pa. (text Lisa @ (215) 459-6686 for more specific info.) followed by a small gathering TBA. He will be included in a Memorial Mass at a later date when safe to congregate indoors.
Donations made in his name can go to any of his favorite charities : The ASPCA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Brain Tumor Association, St. Judes Hospital, Unicef (Syria Relief) or a charity of your choice.
Joseph Hanna, 95 years old, was born and raised in Allentown, Pa. In his recent years Joseph resided with his daughter, and her husband and children in Roslyn (Abington) Pa. Joseph passed peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was, much like his wife Pauline, a true example of perseverance, strength, integrity and compassion.
He was the last surviving, youngest member of the Hanna family. Joseph’s parents, Anna (Haneh) & Anthony, started their family in El-Zwaytini, Syria. His very first sibling, Affifi, was born and raised in Syria, while Joseph and the rest of his elder-siblings: Sadie, Alfred, George, Charles, and Abraham were all born and raised in Allentown Pa. He was married to Pauline “Polly” P. (deceased in July of 2013, for whom he was a loving caregiver) for 55 years of marriage. Pauline adored her husband.
Joseph was a WWII Veteran, and served in what was formerly known as the Army Air Corps, (now the Air Force) trained as an airplane mechanic at the young age of 18. Three of his brothers were also Veterans of WWII. After being honorably discharged after the war, and receiving an Associates degree from Allentown Business School, he landed a job with the Bethlehem Steel Corp. where he remained employed for nearly 40 years as an Inspector. Joseph was known at “the Steel” for having an eye for detail, and a lot of compassion for all of the stray cats that wandered around the Bethlehem Steel grounds. Joseph fed all of strays and on occasion would bring one home for each of his adult children or their friends to adopt. If he’d had the resources, he would’ve adopted every stray cat or dog that crossed his path.
Joe had a great sense of humor and was well-known for being a very “smooth” dancer, (one of his attributes that brought Polly & Joe together.) They both had a great love of music, enjoyed getting dressed to the nines and going to nightclubs where they could dance the night away. They were both known for being sharp dressers, and seeing them together, dressed for a night out was a sight to behold. Joe & Polly enjoyed Big Band music like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James Band, along with favorites like Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima & Keely Smith, and Nat King Cole Trio to name a few. He liked to tell stories of the old days with his crew of neighborhood characters. Joe’s family would joke that Joe was a member of “the Rat Pack.”
Joe often spoke about taking Polly to Miami Beach for their honeymoon in 1958. His old neighborhood pal Willie Restum was a Jazz Saxophonist with a regular gig at the very popular hotel in Miami where Joe & Polly were staying. (Willie opened for many of the above-mentioned musicians at the hotel.) He’d found out that Joe and Pauline were honeymooning at his hotel and made sure that they were very well taken care of by the hotel management. When they showed up at the nightclub to see him perform, he loudly announced that they were on their honeymoon, asking for a round of applause requesting that the nightclub floor management move them to the best table in the house. Polly and Joe would always enjoy recalling memories of those days and their many adventures together. Pauline adored Joe’s friendly way with people and his great sense of humor.
Joseph loved a good poker game and when he was a younger man, loved going to the horse races. He’d taught Polly and the girls how to pick a horse and place a bet. “Win”, “ Place”, or “ Show”. On a number of wedding anniversaries his family would take Joe & Polly to Atlantic City for a long weekend to play the slots and play Joe’s favorite casino game of blackjack. He’d had many fond memories of late Saturday evening Poker nights with his wife, her sisters and his brother in law with lots of wise-cracking and loud laughter late into the evening. He had great memories of Sunday dinners at his sister Sadie’s, enjoying her amazing Syrian cooking (taught to her by their mother, and the best in town). Joe always enjoyed seeing his very dear nieces and nephews and later on enjoyed spending time with his Grand-nephews and nieces and loved their many trips to the local Casinos.
Even at the age of 95, Joseph was interested in World news and could hold a lively conversation about politics and current events. His daughter’s dear friends would enjoy chatting with him and always remarked about his very sharp wit and great sense of humor. He followed political news right up until his passing. He and his brothers were lifelong members of the 6th Ward Democratic Club on 2nd Street in Allentown, where his brother George Hanna was president for a number of years.
Joe’s friends from “the Club” were a crew of interesting characters each with his own nickname. Snake, Five-Six, Sweat, DF, Jimmy Bananas, Jimmy Puff, Sideways, Shortcake, Bucky, Chippy, Sammy Fats, and Ickish to name a few. Joe’s nickname stuck from the time he was a young boy and well into old-age: “Joey Squeezer”. He was younger than the rest of the Club-crew, but they’d permitted him to hang around and learn how to shoot craps at the age of 14, (as long as he’d run to the deli for sandwiches during their card games.) Joe would tell stories of this cast of characters for hours, he could remember a new hilarious story for every day of the week. The “6th Ward Demos” as it was called, was filled with an amazing mixture of nationalities... where else could you find a poker table surrounded by Syrian, German, Ukrainian, Jewish, Hungarian, Italian and Irish guys all pals, all getting along, and all crazy about poker.
He, along with all of his siblings had inherited from his Mother, Anna (Haneh Al-Hamati, born in Tannourine, Lebanon) a love and strong compassion for animals and a generous, heart of gold. Joe was a man who spoke his mind, who never grew too rigid with age to accept new ideas and he was always able to face new challenges.
One of those challenges was when his wife Pauline, was diagnosed with MS at the age of 39. Their children, Sharon and Lisa, were ages 8 and 5 years of age at this time, and the challenge was huge. He became their “Lion”, their champion, their rock. He handled becoming a caregiver to his wife, with bravery, grace and a heart full of love, fully dedicated to her care and the care of his daughters. He was Pauline’s caregiver for over 4 decades in her battle with MS, along with his own health issues...never swaying, never weakening, always doing his best for his family, all the while not ever losing his sense of humor.
He was solid as a rock for his family, and Joe had an open mind, well into old age. “Who am I to judge?!”, was something you’d hear him say in his later years. Always open to a change of heart, always resilient in every sense of the word. Joseph was selfless, generous, and had no tolerance for greed, cruelty or bullying of any kind. He’d had a full and interesting life, but at the age of 95, had said he’d hoped to “stick around a while longer” to see some positive changes in the world.
He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his daughters, Lisa Hanna-Castaldi and Sharon Hanna. Son-in-law, Louis Castaldi, daughter-in-law Charlene Trumbower, and his two Granddaughters, Hannah, 20 and Sophia, 14. He’ll be greatly missed by his many loving nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews, as well as his loving neighbors, therapists, and family friends. He will be especially missed by the family pup, “Maisy” with whom he was thoroughly and completely bonded and who is missing her loving “Jiddoo”.
We’re picturing him now with his beloved Polly, and his brothers, sisters, parents, dear friends and departed family pets ... somewhere up there, where it’s peaceful and where there is no pain, where he is surrounded by only love. He was loved so very dearly, and he will forever be our Hero, the best Dad, the best husband, the best brother, the best pop-pop-Jiddoo, the best friend, the best Uncle, Joe “Squeezer” Hanna. We will miss you so. ❤️ߒ
Due to Covid-19 restrictions remaining unchanged there was a small gravesite service to Inter his ashes on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11:00 am in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fullerton Ave. Whitehall Pa. (text Lisa @ (215) 459-6686 for more specific info.) followed by a small gathering TBA. He will be included in a Memorial Mass at a later date when safe to congregate indoors.
Donations made in his name can go to any of his favorite charities : The ASPCA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Brain Tumor Association, St. Judes Hospital, Unicef (Syria Relief) or a charity of your choice.
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