Joseph “Sonny” J. Lambert Sr.

Joseph J Lambert, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2026, at the age of 95-1/2 years old.

Born into a large farming family in what was then rural Kutztown, PA, Joe was the youngest of 7. He dearly loved his family and “the country,” which to him meant wide open spaces, a lack of traffic, and a peacefulness only “clean living” could bring. Joe would often bemuse his own children and grandchildren with tales of his and his siblings’ antics growing up in their community.

Joe attended school locally, including Kutztown University in his hometown, then entered the Army for an obligatory two years.  After the military, he left the homestead, working for Firestone, and eventually becoming a middle school science teacher at Ridley South Junior High. He met and married his wife Jayne (nee Panetta), who was also a teacher, and they started their family in Clifton Heights before moving to Springfield. He is survived by his wife Jayne and their three children, Joe, Rannie and Ruth Ann, and his seven grandchildren, Kendall and Brooke Lambert, Ryan and Jason Kloud, and Taylor Mullin Hawk (Adam), Kyle and Ethan Mullin.

Family meant everything to Joe, and he was able to dote on his grandchildren at his and Jayne’s Sea Isle home where days were spent boogie boarding, eating hot dogs, and digging holes, while the evenings were filled with ice cream, bike rides, firecrackers, and sunsets on the bay.  He loved gathering all of his kids and grandkids whenever possible and was filled with pride when he spoke of them.

When not with his family, Joe could be found toting his golf clubs around Delaware County and beyond. He eventually joined the Sand Barrens in Swainton, NJ, as a founding member until it was sold, and was part of the Grasshoppers golf group in the Philadelphia suburbs.  He qualified to play at St. Andrew’s and made a special trip there with his son Joey; he was a scratch golfer for many years, playing well into his 90s, until his body began to betray him.

Joe lived long, walked slowly, was fiercely proud of his family, had a dry sense of humor, and made friends easily.  In his last decade of life he could be found at Dunkin Donuts or The Springfield Diner holding court with other nameless and ageless retirees making them laugh with his story telling. He found joy in living a very simple life, and often would say “Slow down, you’ll live longer.”  It seemed to work for him. ”

Relatives & friends are invited to his Visitation, Saturday, February 7^th, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM followed by his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM ALL IN CHURCH at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 651 E Springfield Rd, Springfield, PA 19064.  Inurnment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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