Joseph Edward McGonnell Sr.

Joseph Edward McGonnell Sr., 78, a man whose charisma could light up any room and whose heart was as large as the communities he served, passed away peacefully on Dec. 28, 2025, in Garden City, Idaho.

He was born in Jan 10, 1947, and raised in Williamsport, PA. He attended St. Boniface and St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, where he was an altar boy, choir boy and voted Mr. Congeniality in his final year there. He was an avid baseball fan and played for 8 years, until he discovered that girls were more fun.

Born with a natural ability to connect with anyone he met, Joe dedicated his life to service and community. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force before he joined the Topeka Fire Dept in 1972, beginning a distinguished 30-year career. He added EMT to his credentials and climbed the ranks to Captain, a role where his leadership, charm, and cooking, made him a respected figure among his fellow firefighters and the citizens of Topeka, KS.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene (Dolly) Habig; and his son, Joseph Edward McGonnell Jr., of Topeka, KS.

His legacy of love and laughter lives on through his daughters, Jennifer A. Luvisi (Ron) of San Antonio, Texas, and Nicole M. Porter (Bobby), of Mountain Home, Idaho; his sisters, Carol A. Hamm (Deni) and Kay McGonnell, both of Williamsport. He was the proud grandfather of nine, Jordan, Shelby, Holiday, Dominic, Zach, Codi, Cody, Austin, Savannah; and seven great-grandchildren.

Joe’s remains will rest in the family plot in St. Boniface Cemetery, in Williamsport, which returns him to the place of his birth, and the seat of the McGonnell family when they originally emigrated to America.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 14, 2026, at St. Boniface Church, 326 Washington Blvd., Williamsport PA 17701.

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a donation in honor of Joe’s memory, we suggest Topeka Firemen’s Relief Association, 720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66612 or Fireman’s Local 83 Foundation, 318 SE Jefferson St, Topeka, KS 66607

To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.