Updated: 3: pm Saturday, July 9

Bristol Borough Mayor Joseph Saxton passed away late Friday night after battling an undisclosed health condition for over the the last year.

Bristol Borough Fire Companies Police and Fire Police escorted the Mayor to Wade Funeral Home on Radcliffe Street, early Saturday morning.

Saxton was just recently reelected to a second consecutive term as Mayor, Borough Council originally appointed him to the position in November of 2016, after then Mayor Pat Sabatinni resigned.

Saxton previously served 14 years on Council and served as Mayor from 2002 to 2009.

The Mayor also served for decades as a volunteer firefighter and various other capacities with the Goodwill Hose Company Station  52

Saxton over the last three years has worked tirelessly to bring all of Bristol’s fire companies under one umbrella which culminated in the newly created Bristol Borough Fire Association earlier this year.

“Over the past three years, I’ve worked hand-and-hand with Mayor Saxton in developing the Bristol Borough Fire Association. I’ve quickly learned that his thoughts and actions were selfless and always had the best interest of those he served, the residents of Bristol, in mind. Mayor Saxton was a true leader who tackled projects and issues in a sensible fashion that would often have a successful outcome. His guidance will be missed. On behalf of the BBFA and Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Company we send our condolences to the Saxton Family,” said BBFA President Steven Reeves.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe released a statement late this morning:

I have known Joe for time. Our friendship started way before politics. I have the honor and privilege to work with Joe as a councilman and most recently as Mayor. Joe truly represented the definition of public servant. He coached boro sports volunteered as a fireman councilman, school board member and Mayor. Not to mention the countless organizations he was also involved in. He always represented our town with class and dignity. Bristol Borough will have a hard time filling his position with someone who being Mayor of Bristol as much as Joe! My condolences to his wife Dottie, son Justin,, daughter Nicole and their families

Services for Mayor Saxton are to be held at Wade Funeral Home, 1002, Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 16, 2022, 11:00am at St. Mark Church, Bristol Borough. Interment, private. Friends may call Saturday morning 8-10:45 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Academic Oversight Committee (AOC).

The Mayor’s obituary can be found here