Joseph L. Budka Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph L. Budka Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Total Rehab in Moorestown, NJ. Born in Philadelphia to William and Stanislawa Budka, he grew up in South Philadelphia and was a resident of Delran, NJ for the last 33 years. Joseph was 89 years old and the beloved husband, of 66 years, to the late Jeanne Budka (née Ringheiser).
Loving father of Joseph Budka, Jr. (Cynthia), Sandra Sullivan, Kathleen Layer (John), and David Budka (Constance). Loving grandfather of Ryan, Jennifer (Zachary), Daniel (Melissa), Joseph III, Jacqueline, Caitlin (Nicholas), Amanda, Kevin, and Kelly. Devoted great grandfather of Lily, Josette, Grayson and Braden. Brother of Raymond Budka and devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his brothers Julius, Leonard and Edward.
While growing up, Joe was the 4th of 5 boys. He and his brothers enjoyed spending time outside in South Philadelphia. Joe and his brothers collectively had one bike to share, so they designated different days of the week for each brother. Joe always recalled the story of not giving up his designated day to his brothers, even if he did not plan on riding the bike. This got him into some trouble one summer afternoon when his brothers chased him down multiple blocks in South Philadelphia, begging for an extra turn on the bike, and Joe had to maneuver through busy city streets to get away. Joe cherished these memories with his brothers.
Joe graduated from Southeast Catholic High School and was an active member in their Alumni Association named the Millay Club, which raises funds for under-privileged students to attend what is now known as Saint John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School. He met his wife, Jeanne, on February 5th, 1955, at the Polish Home in Northeast Philadelphia. He could recall this exact date for the rest of his life. He built up the courage to ask her to dance, and the rest was history.
Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army on his wedding day, November 24th, 1956. Joe proudly served his country in Korea, where he was stationed on the front lines for over two years. His mother gave him a “Prayer to St. Joseph” card before he left for overseas, and promised if he recited it every day he would return home and reunite with his wife and start his beautiful family. Joe did just that, and even had fellow soldiers fighting for their turn with the prayer card. Joe treasured that prayer card and kept it on his bedside table until the day he passed.
After the army, Joe was a successful traffic manager at General Electric in Southwest Philadelphia, where he worked in Logistics. He would attend business dinners with colleagues and bring along his wife, Jeanne, to attend. In his own words, Jeanne would “steal the show” by the end of the night, and all of his managers and bosses would want to give her Joe’s job. While his children were in grade school, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia by going to night school.
Throughout his life, Joe had four children, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He raised his family in Sharon Hill, PA and dedicated his life to making sure they had the best life imaginable. He coached his sons in football for the Sharon Hill Ramblers and in baseball for the Sharon Hill Little League. He took pride in teaching the values of sportsmanship and hard work.
Joe understood the significance of having family memories that we could all look back on; he even bought a digital camera just to capture these moments for us. Every family trip to Wildwood or the Outer Banks, every cheer competition, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, or soccer game, every anniversary, birthday, or special occasion, Joe was there with his camera in hand to capture these moments. He made time capsules of precious memories for us, and we are so thankful to be able to look back on them.
Joe was our “Batman.” Whenever we needed Joe, we would call him on his “Bat Phone” and he would be there in an instant. He did not hesitate to help his family, and always put them first.
We all won the lottery by having Joe in our lives, and we will miss him deeply. We love you, Joe.
A gathering of family and friends will be held this Monday, December 11, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Givnish of Cinnaminson 1200 Route 130 North. Joseph’s Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Parish, Church of the Holy Name 260 Conrow Road Delran, NJ. Burial will take place at 1pm at Brigadier General William C. Doyle/NJ Veteran’s Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joseph’s name may be made to his favorite charity St. Jude Hospital.
To share your fondest memories of Joseph, please visit www.Givnish.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?