Joseph A. Bonkowski

Joseph A. Bonkowski, age 63, a lifelong resident of Robinson Township, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021. Joe was born on May 6, 1958, the son of Theresa (William) Schirnhofer. He was a husband of 42 years to Susan (Blumling) Bonkowski; father to Brandi (Brady) Smith and Jillian Bonkowski; and grandfather to Lennon Smith. Joe was a brother to Linda (Bob) Barthen, Toni (George) Beltz, and William (Jeannine) Schirnhofer; and an uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

A 1976 graduate of Montour High School, Joe participated in many sports and activities, including track & field. He still holds the school record for the longest discus throw. In 1979, Joe joined the Township of Robinson as a laborer and spent 39 years with the Public Works Department. From 1991 to 2018 he served as the Superintendent of Public Works and took pride in keeping the roads free of snow and the parks looking beautiful. Joe spent the last four years of his career working as a Supervisor in the Traffic Division of Allegheny County Public Works.  

The ultimate “girl dad,” Joe coached Robinson Township Girls’ Slow Pitch Softball until 2005 and attended countless mediocre dance, cheerleading, and baton twirling performances.  

He loved his family, friends who were like family, Bowling League, Bourbon Club, the Pittsburgh Steelers, tailgate parties, and playing the Pennsylvania Lottery. Most of all, Joe loved spoiling his granddaughter Lennon to whom he was affectionately known as “Pappy Joe.”  

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, June 23 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, June 24, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 5405 Steubenville Pike, Robinson Township, PA 15136. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 10:00 am at Archangel Gabriel Parish (Holy Trinity Church), 5718 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. A private burial will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the KDKA Turkey Fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or please play the Pennsylvania Lottery in Joe’s honor.  

Please view Joe’s tribute video at:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/W2TCSZKZPLFKTC26