10/22/2025
Well done, good and faithful servant.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Pastor Joanne A. Bond. Pastor Bond passed away unexpectedly in Tel Aviv, Israel, during an interfaith clergy immersion trip.
Pastor Bond was born in Brooklyn and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmond Hill, Queens. For nearly thirty years, Pastor Bond served as the pastor of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Babylon, New York. She received her Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and her Doctor of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary. For several years, she served as Dean of the Western Suffolk Conference. Her pastoral ministry began at St. David's Lutheran Church in Massapequa Park.
Her life and work were shaped by Jesus' call to Simon Peter: "Feed my sheep." She loved serving her community — and never ate lamb, even at Greek restaurants. She led a community supper program. She was a fierce advocate for children and youth, starting a pre-school at Cross of Christ. She also enjoyed working with seniors, launching a program she affectionately called "Prime Timers." She was active in the synod, serving on several committees throughout the decades. Cross of Christ has served as an internship site since 2000, shaping the pastoral ministries of numerous interns including Rev. Romeo Dabee and Rev. Bob Cederstrom. Her collegiality was inspiring and she was a generous mentor and friend. She will be deeply and profoundly missed by all whose lives were touched by her beautiful, pastoral heart and generous spirit.
No funeral arrangements have been made at this time as the family sorts through the details of this unexpected loss. Details will be announced as they become available.