Joseph F. Cecala Sr., 77, of Whitehall, died March 14, 2021. He was the husband of Patricia (Ackerknecht) Cecala for 56 years.

Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Theodore J. Sr and Pasqualine (Priolo) Cecala.

He graduated from DeSales University and attended school for fashion design in New York City.

He was in the National Guard.

Since the age of 18, he owned and operated many businesses, including his current business, Cecala Group Inc.

He was a member of the Whitehall Township Industrial Development Authority and was a financial adviser of his previous church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Joe Jr. and his wife Beth and their son Andrew of Emmaus; a daughter and granddaughters, Chrissy, Whitney and Hailee Cecala of Whitehall; a sister, Mary Lou and her husband Louis Konya of Potomac Falls, Va.; a brother, Theodore J. Jr. and his wife Anna of Bethlehem; a godson, Jason Seblin of Jim Thorpe; seven nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Connie Cecala.

He was predeceased by a brother, Louie T. Cecala.

Services will be held noon March 27 at Calvary Temple, 3436 Winchester Road, Allentown, 18104.

Contributions may be made to Calvary Temple or New Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 224 N. Sixth St., Allentown, 18102.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.