Joseph R. D'Annunzio

Joseph R. D’Annunzio, of Harrisburg and formerly of Conshohocken, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on October 4, 1951, to the late Thomas D’Annunzio Jr. and Dorothy (Surace). Joe married his late wife Kathy (Nowicki) in 1981, and they were married for 32 years. Joe was able to find happiness again later in life as he was married to Evelyn (Sponsler) for seven years. Joe is survived by his daughter, Christina, and his three sons, Paul Jr. (Tracy), Michael, and Eric Sponsler, his four brothers, Thomas III, Ronald (Carol), James (Lisa), and Daniel. Joe is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jason, Benjamin (Rebekah), Mya, and Dylan, his great-granddaughter Scarlett, his nine nieces and nephews Dana (Tom), Tara, George (Harmony), Gina (Michael), Andrew, Madison, Olivia, Greyson, Georgie, and his many cousins and dear friends. After graduating magna cum laude from St. Louis University, Joe served as a lawyer for forty-nine years, ensuring that anyone who needed help was cared for. Joe found value in being a kind ear and voice of guidance not only for his family, but also for his friends and members of his community. One of the highlights of his life was being sworn into the Supreme Court in front of his mother. Joe began his career in the Public Defender’s Office, where he worked to achieve his dream of opening his own private practice. In 1978, he achieved this goal. Upon closing his practice after eighteen years, Joe was recruited to work for St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company in 1996, where he was appointed as a Hearing Member for the St. Paul Disciplinary Board. After six years and two terms, Joe became a managing attorney for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. His drive to succeed allowed him to represent the office in regional and executive meetings, representing the most prestigious Staff Counsel Office in Pennsylvania. In 2009, Joe and his family moved from Plymouth Meeting to Harrisburg, establishing a Staff Counsel Office for GEICO. During his time with GEICO, he constantly achieved awards for the most cases tried among national offices, demonstrating his strong-willed character, which allowed him to represent the company in all administrative hearings before the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. In 2018, Joe returned to private law, assisting several practices in the Harrisburg area. Joe served as a member of the Republican Committee by acting as the Judge of Elections and served as a Solicitor to the Civil Service Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board for Plymouth Township in Montgomery County, where he became the Chairman of the Zoning Hearing Board. He also served as a Solicitor for the Montgomery County Funeral Directors Association. The Norristown Times-Herald highly praised Joe’s hard work and compassion for others, naming him “One of Montgomery County’s” community leaders. Joe also served as a Solicitor for the Montgomery County Office, where his role was representing the Petitioner in Mental Health commitment hearings. Joe was able to combine his love of law and faith by devoting his time as the Board Secretary to the Saint Thomas Moore Society, a not-for-profit organization for Catholic Lawyers dedicated to promoting the study of principles of the Catholic Church, relating to the moral and legal problems encountered in the practice of law. Joe was also able to show his strong commitment to his faith by being appointed as an Assessor for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Throughout his life, Joe’s faith was evident by being active in the church. He volunteered his time annually to the Saints Cosmas and Damian feast by both running the feast with his late wife, Kathy, and leading the parish procession and saying the rosary. Joe served as an Eucharistic Minister and could also be found calling bingo numbers during church games and being the MC for the Night at the Races event held in the church hall. Upon moving to Harrisburg, Joe remained active in the church at St. Catharine Laboure parish in Harrisburg by participating in the church’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. During his free time, Joe could be found reading the newspaper, traveling to Florida with his family for their annual Disney World trips, and cheering on his Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org. Relatives and friends may pay respects on Friday morning, October 3rd from 10-11:45AM in Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Mass will immediately follow at 12 noon. Relatives and friends may also pay respects on Saturday morning, October 4th from 10-11:45AM at the William A. Moore Funeral Home, 708 Fayette St., Conshohocken, PA 19428. Internment will immediately follow in St. Matthew Cemetery (Conshohocken). In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.

Joseph R. D'Annunzio

October 4, 1951 - September 24, 2025

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Joseph R. D'Annunzio

October 4, 1951 - September 24, 2025

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