Joseph J. Blanda, age 70, of Jacobstown passed away peacefully and lovingly into God’s arms on Thursday, August 9 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Born in Lakewood, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of the Jacobstown area. Joe worked loyally along side his brother for over 35 years at Blanda's Construction. He was active in the New Egypt United Methodist Church and enjoyed Bible study as well as the Wednesday night Praise Team at the church. Joe was a master of Poker and dined so frequently with friends that it earned him “Reserved Seating” at Tootie’s Restaurant and The Garden State Diner. Joe was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary (Bettino) Blanda. His is survived by his wife, Ellen “Bunny” (nee Rockhill) Blanda together since 1976; a son, David Rockhill and girlfriend Catherine Tucci of New Egypt; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Tony and Doris Blanda of New Egypt, John and Barbara Blanda of New Egypt and Bill and Gale Blanda of Jacobstown; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Rose and Jack Marshall of New Egypt, Maryann Enriquez of New Egypt and Jeannie Sayles of Trenton and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. Funeral services for Joe will be held on Monday, August 13 at 11:00 AM at Atkinson Hall at the New Egypt United Methodist Church, North Main Street and Fort Avenue in New Egypt with Pastor Dorothy Johns officiating. Burial will follow in the Cream Ridge Cemetery in Cream Ridge. Calling hours will be on Sunday evening, August 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Atkinson Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s memory can be made to a memorial fund for Joe in care of the Tilghman Funeral Home, 52 Main Street, New Egypt, NJ 08533