Joseph Polaha Obituary

April 9, 1946 – October 6, 2023

JOHNSON CITY - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph A. Polaha Jr., age 77, of Johnson City, TN. He passed peacefully at his home on October 6, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Joe knew Bethlehem, Pennsylvania as his true home. His late parents (Joseph Sr. and Margaret) were first-generation Americans from Eastern Europe. He was a first-generation college graduate, who earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Villanova University in 1967. That same year, he married Betty Ann (Gomboz), also a native of Bethlehem, and they began a great adventure that lasted over 56 years.

Joe was an eternal optimist and had an endless energy. He came at life full bore. He was always up early, grabbing a coffee and going for a ride. He loved racecars, Corvettes, cars in general, and driving too fast. He loved Bruce Springsteen and Budweiser. He was spontaneous and took epic chances. He loved mountains, oceans, wind and snow, and lying in the sun - especially at the Jersey Shore. He was fascinated by all things steel and steel construction, especially bridges. He loved the adventures that come with being alive and avidly journaled his days and doings, saving notes, pictures, and memorabilia to a point of concern for his family. He frequently gave himself over to nostalgia, laughing and weeping at the same time.

In the midst of his crash-and-go world, Joe and Betty Ann centered their family and grew an invincible bond among them. In this, he gave them a most highly treasured gift, for which they are all deeply grateful.

The world is now a dimmer and quieter place for his wife, Betty Ann (Gomboz), his children and their spouses: Jodi and Steven Jones, Jonathan and Laurie Conratt, and Jennifer and Andre Rimonneau; and his grandchildren: Bridger, Julian, Emily, Calder, and Andrew. He is also survived by his loving sister, Joanne Siegfeldt, brother Stephen, and sister-in-law, Val.

To honor Joe, we ask that you go out and live in his spirit! Skip work and go skiing! Do a smoky burnout in the neighborhood, drive fast, and blast The Boss with your windows down! Drop in on an old friend and tell some funny memory while you smile with tears in your eyes!

In lieu of flowers, Joe would love for donations to be sent to the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild; PO Box 996; Jonesborough, TN 37659 or The National Museum of Industrial History; 602 E. 2nd St.; Bethlehem, PA 18015 or at www.nmih.org/support/donate. A family service will be held in Bethlehem at a later date. Locally, a reception of friends to celebrate the life of Joe will be held on Monday, October 16 from 6-8 p.m. at Atelier 133 N. Commerce St., Johnson City.