Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Bristol Borough Mayor Joe Saxton has passed away.
The longtime borough firefighter, community booster, politician, husband, father, and grandfather died Friday. The reason for his death wasn’t known as of Saturday, but he had dealt with medical problems over the past few years, including a surgery and hospital stay in 2021.
Saxton, 72, had served as a council member for years before being first sworn to the role of mayor in 2002. He served through 2009 and was appointed again in 2016, later winning election to the seat in 2017 and 2021.
The news of his passing spread throughout the borough Friday night and into Saturday.
Advertisements
Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe knew Saxton years before they were involved in politics.
“Our friendship started way before politics,” he recalled.
Advertisements
“He coached borough sports, volunteered as a fireman, councilman, school board member, and mayor. Not to mentioned the countless organizations he was also involved in. He always represented our town with class and dignity,” DiGuiseppe said.
“Joe truly represented the definition of a public servant,” the council president noted. “He always represented our town with class and dignity. Bristol Borough will have a hard time filling his position with someone who loved being mayor of Bristol as much as Joe! My condolences to his wife Dottie, son Justin, daughter Nicole and their families.”
Saxton often worked with Borough Manager Jim Dillon throughout the years.
“He loved the town. He did a great job as Mayor and will be truly missed by all,” Dillon said.
Advertisements
Chief of Police Joe Moors expressed sadness over the mayor’s death.
“It’s been an honor for me to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated community leader for the past 31 years,” he said.
Steve Reeves, who heads the Bristol Borough Fire Association, said the mayor was “selflessly dedicated” to the residents of Bristol Borough.
“While working with Mayor Saxton to organize the Bristol Borough Fire Association, he taught me how to navigate the many complex issues so we could have a successful outcome. It will be difficult to replace his experience and thoughtfulness,” he said.
Advertisements
Steve Henry, the recently retired police chief for the borough, recalled Saxton on Saturday.
“He was a consummate professional. Regardless of politics the safety of the people of Bristol was always his number one concern. He took his position very seriously. The only thing he loved more than Bristol Borough was his family,” Henry told LevittownNow.com.
“Mayor Joe Saxton was not just a dedicated public servant, but he was a friend. It was my privilege to work with Joe over the years to help Bristol Borough. Joe was always there, always working on behalf of the people of Bristol. This is truly a sad day for Bristol; losing Joe is a tremendous loss for the community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Saxton family during this difficult time,” State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson said.
State Rep. John Galloway remembered Saxton as someone who was proud of his town.
“Joe was a kind man who loved his family and always represented Bristol Borough with the highest integrity and passion. Joe was someone who had a positive influence on many lives and will always be missed and remembered fondly,” he said.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our mayor and dear friend Joe Saxton. Joe was an active member of the AOC (Academic Oversight Committee),” said Mary Gesualdi, president of the AOC. “The children of Bristol were always a priority for Joe and he worked tirelessly to make things better for them. Everything Joe did was for the betterment of the people of Bristol.”
“I am deeply saddened beyond words by the passing of Mayor Joe Saxton. He was truly a great guy that dedicated many volunteer years to our community. He will be missed by all that knew him,” said Harry Crohe, a longtime member of the community who has worked with the Bucks County Rescue Squad.
On Saturday morning, the borough’s firefighters mustered to escort Saxton’s body to the Wade Funeral Home on Radcliffe Street.
The late mayor grew up on Swain Street and joined the volunteer fire service through Goodwill Hose Company as a young man and served as its president for years.
Saxton, who worked at the Rohm and Haas facility, told the Philadelphia Inquirer days before he took office in 2002 that he wanted to see Bristol Borough through its transition from industrial-era town to a modern community.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Recently, the mayor had been deeply involved in efforts for the borough’s fire companies to work closer together and unite.
The mayor’s two sets of time being the town’s top elected cheerleader let him oversee the borough’s transition, which continues with the opening of new businesses.
In the wake of Saxton’s passing, the council president will assume the duties of the office, which include overseeing the police and fire services, according to state law.
The council will be able to appoint a new mayor to fill the seat.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
