Joseph Sloan Bonsall Jr., known as Joe Bonsall, was born on May 18, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a close-knit family, with his parents and sister. His father, Joseph Sloan Bonsall Sr., served in the United States Army during World War II, which had a significant impact on Joe’s upbringing, instilling in him values of patriotism and resilience.