Thomas J. Verbonitz, 88, of Bethlehem, died Aug. 15, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Nancy L. (Fistner) Verbonitz for 37 years. He was born Jan. 31, 1937, in Drums, the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Danko) Verbonitz.

He graduated as Salutatorian from MMI Preparatory School, Freeland, in 1954. Awarded a full scholarship to Lehigh University, he earned his bachelor of science in 1958 and his MBA in 1960. At Lehigh, he was active in ROTC and the honor societies Alpha Kappa Psi, Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, he started his career in the Systems Department at PP&L before returning to Lehigh, where he enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career. He held senior roles, including director of administrative and personnel services, overseeing human resources, the mail room, and transportation, where he established Lehigh’s first shuttle bus system. He retired in 1995 as the founding director of risk management and insurance.

He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, rooting for all Lehigh sports, but his favorite was watching Lehigh Wrestling at Grace Hall. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox and Notre Dame fan. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem Twp.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter: Kimberly Verbonitz and her husband Andrew Shapiro of Tiburon, CA; stepson: Robb M. and his wife Jennifer L. Simmers of Bethlehem; siblings: Robert Verbonitz of Chambersburg, Helen Thomas of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren: Jadon Shapiro, Olivia Shapiro, Matthew Simmers, Samantha Simmers; great granddaughter: Lyza Simmers. He was predeceased by his stepson: Todd E. Simmers; and brother: James P. Verbonitz.

Online condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com

Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.