Joan M. Bucci

Joan M (Kresch) Bucci, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, in Nazareth, PA. She was 95 years old.

Born on April 22, 1931, in Easton, PA, Joan was the daughter of Kathryn Lewis Kresch and George Kresch. She grew up in Easton and graduated from Easton Catholic High School in 1948. Her early years were marked by a strong sense of community and faith that would guide her throughout her life. 

Joan married the love of her life, Nelson Bucci, with whom she shared nearly 65 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2019. Together they built a loving family that became the center of Joan’s world. She is survived by their five children: Michael (Angela) of Philadelphia, PA; Barbara Osborn (Raymond) of Allentown, PA; Thomas (Erika) of Camden, ME; Kenneth of Fogelsville, PA; and Carol Mantoni (Bernard) of Lumberton, NJ. Joan also cherished her five grandchildren: Amanda Danner (Tim), Alycia Baker (Peterson), Christina Fakhraee (Alex), Kaitlin Wattrick (Adam), and Daniel Mantoni. Her great-granddaughter Cecelia Joan Fakhraee held a special place in her heart and brought immense joy to her later years. 

Joan is also survived by her sister Mary Gilluly and brother John Kresch. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her siblings Charles Kresch Sr., E. George Kresch, Thomas Kresch, Kathryn Todaro, Jean Kresch, and Eileen Davis York. 

Throughout her life, Joan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others. She was an active member of the PTA during her children’s school years and dedicated many hours volunteering for Meals on Wheels and at Warren Hospital’s laboratory. Her generosity extended beyond formal commitments—she was always ready to lend a hand or offer support to those around her. 

Joan had a creative spirit that flourished through her passion for ceramics. For over 40 years, she participated in classes at Aura Ceramics until 2024. This hobby brought her great joy and allowed her to create beautiful pieces that are treasured by those who knew her. 

In addition to her volunteer work and artistic pursuits, Joan found fulfillment in being part of vibrant communities later in life. From 2019 to 2024, she resided at Country Meadows in Bethlehem, PA. In January 2025, she moved to Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, PA, where she lived until her passing. 

Joan’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and dedication to family and community. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched with her warmth and generosity. 

May Joan’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Visitation will be held on Monday August 10, 2026, from 09:15 AM to 10:15 AM at St Jane Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave, Easton PA; followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am.  Interment will be held following Mass at Gethsemane Cemetery, William Penn Hwy, Easton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Deborah Heart Lung Center  https://www.deborahfoundation.org/donate/  or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Finegan Funeral Home of Easton, PA.