Joe Morabito, born on February 26, 1941; Joe's life was characterized by his total dedication to his family, an award-winning career as a scientist, and a person of tremendous grit and curiosity for the complex and the mundane. If you saw him at one of his kids or grandkids sporting events he likely and certainly had a book in hand.

Joe's childhood was very humble as his father worked as a chef and maître de following the work seasonally splitting the family's time between Asbury Park, NJ and Miami, FL. Joe had one brother, two years younger, Thomas.

Joe excelled at athletics and academics, which allowed him to prosper. As a result, he received a full academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame (1963). He has very fond memories of his time at Notre Dame with his roommate Brian Boulac and dear friend Bill Ritter.

From there he continued his education toward a career and earned his Ph. D. at the University of Pennsylvania in Material Sciences (1967). It was here at Penn that he met his wife, Veronica (Roni) Morabito. They relocated to California for what would be the start of an extensive career starting with a post-doctoral fellowship at University of California-Berkeley (1968), and a distinguished fellowship at Phillips Research Laboratories Co., in Eindhoven, Netherlands (1969). Roni and Joe also welcomed two children, Karen (1968), and Lance (1969).

They returned to the states in the early 1970's in Bethlehem, PA and welcomed two more children, Monique (1971), and Justin (1974). Joe spent the remainder of his 45-year career at Bell Laboratories, starting at their Allentown labs, and finishing his career at the headquarters in Murray Hill, NJ. During this time, he developed 6 patents and over 80 scientific publications as both a scientist and department head. This culminated in the distinguished award which marked his career. Joe earned the prominent award of Bell Laboratories Fellow. At the end of his career, he was the Department Head for the Environmental Health and Safety division of AT&T-Bell Laboratories. He traveled across many continents giving talks on the issues of energy and the impact on the environment.

Joe loved to travel and was a true explorer at heart. If you traveled with him, you were going to find yourself off the beaten path. His interests and experiences were vast. Joe was highly intelligent and curious with modest roots, and he easily connected with people wherever he went.

Joe is survived by his younger brother, Thomas (82) who followed Joe to Berkeley, CA in the late 1960's and with the same determination and resilience became a self-made successful businessman and to this day a resolute husband, father, and grandfather.

Joe was heartbroken when his wife, Roni, died unexpectedly in 2008. He never completely healed from this event. However, as always, he stayed true and dedicated himself to his family. He spent those last 17 years determined to remain devoted and available primarily for his children and their families. While he was remarkably successful in his career, his legacy was imparting as much as he could in all ways to his children.

Thank you, Dad, for showing us what true dedication and love is. Thank you to the very end showing us your amazing determination and toughness. Thank you for showing us your amazing curiosity for so many different interests. Thank you, Dad, for always being there. We love you ….

Survivors: He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom, as seen through his devoted children, Karen Blobe and her husband Ron of Hellertown, PA; Lance Morabito and his wife Angela of Philadelphia, PA; Monique Ribaudo and her husband Joseph of Needham, MA; and Justin Morabito and his wife Jen of Coplay, PA. His brother, Thomas Morabito, and his wife Frances of Berkeley, CA. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his 17 grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Services: Private and at the convenience of the family. Joe's arrangements are entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be made at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106.