Joseph J. Bartolotta, Jr., 72, of Quakertown, PA, formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ, died Mon., May 11, 1998 in Houston, TX after a lengthy illness.

Born Sept., 5, 1925 in Phillipsburg, he was the son of the late Joseph J., Sr., and Theresa Merlo Bartolotta, who immigrated from Santo Stefano, Messina, Italy.

After graduating from St. Philip and St. James Catholic High School, Joseph served in the Army during World War Two.

On February 20, 1960, Joseph and his wife, the former Joan Wilsdon were united in marriage in St. Raphael's Parish in Queens, NY. The love, respect and devotion they shared has always provided a source of strength for their family.

After moving to Connecticut, they were blessed with three sons, Joseph, III, Michael and Brian who survive and love their father and will always cherish his memory. Joseph and Joan later moved to Quakertown, PA where they raised their children and currently reside. Joseph, III, his wife, the former Erin Coogan and their children, Elizabeth, Emily and Joseph George now reside in Wilton, Conn.; Michael resides in Houston, TX and Brian resides in Wilmington, DE.

Although Joseph enjoyed various positions in his business career, he was most noted for his serving as a regional vice president for the Cleveland Steel Container Corp. in Quakertown, from which he retired in 1992.

A member of St. Isadore's Catholic Church in Quakertown, he was also honored to be a Third Degree member of the Cardinal Stritch Council 4649, Knights of Columbus and a member of the Wallace W. Keller American Legion Post 242, both located in Quakertown.

He will be greatly missed for his love and uncompromising devotion as a husband, father and grandfather. Joseph was predeceased by his two beloved brothers, Anthony C., formerly of Naperville, Ill. and George Bartolotta, formerly of Phillipsburg.

Joseph's family will receive relatives and friends during the visitation hours on Friday, May 15, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m and again on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg, NJ.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:45 a.m. in St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church, 426 South Main St., Phillipsburg. Burial will take place in St. Philip and St. James Cemetery in Greenwich Twp.

Joan and her family request that those wishing to make memorial contributions, do so to the benefit of cancer research, in Joseph's name, care of MD Anderson Hospital, PO Box 297153, Houston, TX 77297.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul in Houston.