Joseph B Sankey

Joseph B. Sankey, 75, of Broomall, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his sister Tina’s home in Swedesboro, New Jersey on August 25, 2023. He was the son of the late, Joseph and Dorothy Ann (nee Thuerrauch) Sankey. Joseph was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Swarthmore,  Pennsylvania. He was a 1966 graduate of St. James High School in Chester, PA. Following high school, he had a machinist apprenticeship at Sun Ship in Chester, PA.  Joseph entered the United States Army in 1970. A proud Army Veteran, Joseph served during the Vietnam Era and was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia.  After his honorable discharge as an E5 Sergeant, Joseph found his way back to Pennsylvania where he attended Delaware County Community College and St. Joseph’s University. He worked in various engineering design environments as a Senior Piping Designer, specializing in nuclear and process piping systems.

Upon his retirement, Joseph decided that he was not quite prepared to stop working, so he started his own lawn business servicing customers in South Philadelphia and Delaware County.

Having had that business for many years, he developed lasting friendships with many of his customers. He often told his family how much he enjoyed his daily visits to South Philly. Joe also had multiple rental properties in Delaware County. He enjoyed his relationships and conversations with all of his tenants who became his friends.  

Some of Joe’s favorite pastimes were spending time at his Pocono home, attending car shows and the Indy 500 races. He loved tinkering with his antique cars in his driveway. Joe was a huge history buff. He enjoyed watching World History documentaries and movies, especially of World War II.  He looked forward to Sunday dinners at his sister Tina’s home and weekly lunches with his nephew, John at Ichiban Seafood Buffet.

Joseph was a big fan and advocate for his great nephews, Matthew and Sean. He was proud of all their accomplishments. In particular, Matthew being a new Registered Nurse at CHOP, and Sean’s success as a Physical Therapy student at Widener University. He was even excited to purchase Sean, his first “set of wheels”-that being a brand new bright red lawnmower-when Sean at the age of 13 decided to start his own lawn business just like his Uncle Joey.

Since his passing, his family has received multiple calls and messages, regarding how kind-hearted and what a wonderful friend Joe really was. His family has always been well aware of his good nature and generosity, but now they know that his kindness extended even beyond his own family.

Joseph attended daily mass at St. Pius X in Broomall. Perhaps this is what helped guide him to have the strength and courage to battle his brave fight against cancer. To all of his friends who have called into the rectory to check on Joe, his family would like to thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Ann Sankey and his brother, Robert Sankey.

Joseph is survived by his loving sister, Christina Dougherty and her husband, Bob, his niece, Lisa and her husband, Angelo Fatiga, his nephew, John Hutton, Jr, his niece, Krista Sankey, nephew Robby Sankey, and his great-nephews Matthew and Sean Fatiga.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 8 AM to 9:45 AM at Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008, followed by

Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 220 Lawrence Rd., Broomall, PA 19008

Interment will be following the Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 1600 Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice, 160 East 9th Ave Suite B Runnemede NJ 08078.