Joel Bonilla

Joel Bonilla, 55, of Mount Penn, passed away unexpectedly, at his residence, on June 22, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 29, 1970, he was a son of Daniel L. Bonilla of Florida, and the late Luisa Maria Torres Bonilla.

He was a graduate of Franklin High School, New York.

For more than 31 years, Joel dedicated his career to public service with the County of Berks. He began his service with the Berks County 911 Center, where he worked for nine years, before joining the Berks County Coroner’s Office as a Deputy Investigator. Throughout his career, he faithfully served the citizens of Berks County with dedication, professionalism, compassion, and integrity. His commitment to helping others and his unwavering willingness to serve touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the community he proudly called home.

Joel enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking, gaming, spending time at the beach and the ocean, traveling on vacations, and visiting the shooting range.

Joel is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Bonilla, wife of Heber Gonzalez, Jr., and his son, Joel Bonilla, Jr., both of Lancaster County.

He is also survived by his longtime companion, Maida Lisa Orama of Mount Penn, and her children, Maritza Pacheco of Zephyrhills, FL, Sergio Orama of Wyomissing, and Arianna Pacheco of Mount Penn.

Additional survivors include his five siblings, Maria Oquendo, wife of Jose Oquendo of Belleview, FL; Robert “Bobby” Bonilla of Corona, NY; Anthony Bonilla of Yonkers, NY; Alfred Bonilla of Kew Gardens, NY; and Sonia Bonilla of Belleview, FL.

Joel will also be sadly missed by his favorite little buddy, Miko.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 p.m.  The burial will be in Florida. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or to Humane Pennsylvania, 1801 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

Joel will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness, friendship, and dedicated service.

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