Joseph A. “Chef Joe” Santangini Jr. 59, of Bethlehem died Jan. 24, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. He was a son of Joseph A. Santangini Sr. of Bethlehem and the late Maryann (DiPrimio) Santangini.

He was a graduate of Notre Dame HS, Easton. He was accepted to the Lawrence Rockefeller Culinary program.

He worked at the Holiday Inn, Bethlehem. He worked at Woodstock Inn, Vermont; Grand Teton Lodge, Grand Teton National Park; Saddlebrook Resort, Florida; and Hotel Hershey. He was an executive chef for many resorts and presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Harrison Ford, George Clooney and others. He worked at resorts in Vermont; Jamaica; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Sarasota, Florida; and the British Virgin Islands.

He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, Bethlehem

In addition to his father, he is survived by a brother, Richard (Chandra) Santangini of Topton; a nephew and two nieces, Sadie Santangini, Joseph Santangini and Jana (Matt) Warnken; and a great-niece, Wren Warnken.

He was predeceased by a sister, Analisa DeFilippo; and a nephew, Thomas G. DeFilippo, Jr.

Contributions may be made to Notre Dame Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018; and/or Notre Dame High School, 3417 Church Road, Easton, PA 18045.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.