Bela M Persa

Bela M. Persa, 81 of Bethlehem Township died Monday Dec. 3rd at VNA Hospice at St. Luke?s in Lower Saucon Township. Bela?s wife, Anna Kozul Persa, of 57 years died this past March.

Born in Bethlehem he is the son of the late Stephen and Helen Sever Persa.

After graduating in 1943 from Liberty High School Bela entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served during WW II. He then attended Franklin & Marshall College.

He entered the Architectural Design apprenticeship program at Bethlehem Steel Company where he worked for 35 years retiring in 1979.

Upon retirement his passion continued for art and design. He was responsible for many architectural/design in the City of Bethlehem including a portfolio of six paintings to primarily fund the Bethlehem Sand Island Project. His 75th Anniversary Emblem for Liberty High School helped fund the school organ. He designed the Bethlehem Police Memorial at City Hall.

He loved ink drawings and presented an original Ink Drawing of Independence Hall to Governor Edward Rendell.

Bela was an avid supporter of Liberty High School where he attended years of sporting and Performing Arts events.

He truly loved all his children and grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed watching all of them display their perspective outstanding talents.

He was a long term volunteer with a variety of organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America and Little Helpers at St. Anne.

He and his wife were active members of Sacred Heart Church in Bethlehem Township for more than 40 years.

Surviving are his children; David M. and Daniel J. husband of Jane Persa of Bethlehem, his daughter Maryann wife of Michael Sprague of West Chester, Pa., brother Steve of Allentown, sisters; Helen Vernosky of Allentown and Anna Cottage of Bethlehem and

five grandchildren Dan, Drew and Emily Persa, Michael and Sara Sprague.

He was preceded in death by his brothers; William, Frank, John and Alex and his sister Mary

Funeral Services will be held on Friday December 7th at 9:15 a.m. at the Connell Funeral Home 245 East Broad St. Bethlehem and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church 1st Street Bethlehem Township.

Visitation will be held Thursday 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial may be made to VNA Hospice at St. Luke?s 1510 Valley Center Parkway Suite 200 Bethlehem Pa. 18017