Dr. Francis A. Gress

Dr. Francis A. Gress, 86, husband of Virginia Krohn Tresolini Gress, of Pleasant Valley, PA died Friday, December 8, 2006 at St. Luke?s Hospital in Bethlehem. Born January 1, 1920, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Washko Gress. He was also married to the late Mary R. Mervan Gress, who died in 1966.

Dr. Gress was a pediatrician in private practice in Bethlehem and was associated with St. Luke?s Hospital from 1951-1986. He was a member of Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church where he served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. He served as a U.S. Army Physician during WWII. Francis graduated from Lehigh University in 1942 and Jefferson Medical College. He was fond of traveling with his wife in their Airstream trailer and was active in the WBCCI, serving as past president and treasurer of the Penn Lehigh Unit.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Virginia; children Carol Gress-Bauer and Sebastian of Switzerland, Francis M. Gress and Lori of Hawaii, Jesse Gress and Mary Lou of Woodstock, NY; Stepchildren Roger Tresolini of Washington, D.C., Carol Tresolini and Tom Fiore of Durham, NC, Kevin Tresolini and Fiona of Newark, DE, Justin Tresolini of Fountain Hill; brothers Richard Gress of Emmaus and Benedict Gress of Allentown; grandchildren Ariane, Bettina, Francis R., Kimberly and Carol; stepgrandchildren Hans, Andrew, Julia, Jenna, Dustin and Tara.

He was predeceased by his brothers James, John, and Donald Gress.

SERVICES

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held December 12, 2006 at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem, PA 18015 at 10:00 AM. A viewing will held be held at Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 December 11, 2006 from 7:00-9:00 PM and from 9:00-10:00 AM December 12, 2006 in the Church.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Operation SMILE or to St. Luke?s Pediatrics Department.