Edward J. Podlesny

Edward J. Podlesny, 91, formerly of the Rosemont section of Bethlehem, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 13, 2009, at the Cedarbrook Nursing Home in Allentown. He and his wife, Mary Demshock Podlesny, celebrated 63 years of marriage on Aug. 3, 2009. Born in Hazelton, he was the son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Milot Podlesny.

Edward will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mary; sons Edward, Jr, and wife Fay, of New Tripoli, PA; Richard and wife Susan of Perrysburg, OH; David and wife Janet of Coplay, PA; and Benedictine Father James Podlesny of Palmyra, PA; a sister: Marcella McGlynn of Bridgewater, NJ; brothers: James of Hazleton, PA, and Robert and wife Faye of Santa Barbara, CA; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Andrew, Frank and Thomas, and a sister Pauline Gavis.

Edward was a 1936 graduate of Hazleton High School, as well as matriculating in 1942 from the International Correspondence School in Scranton, and the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in Coral Gables, Florida.

He was a veteran of WWII, serving as Sergeant in the United States Army Air Force with 2 battle stars. At the end of WWII, he was among the first Allied Forces to enter into Germany, tasked with seizing Germany's super-weapons, and helped to secure Germany's experimental rocket plane.

Mr. Podlesny worked as a fitter in the bridge shop at the Bethlehem Steel Co. retiring as an inspector after 37 years of service. Edward, known to many as "Li'l Abner" because of his strength, enjoyed fishing, gardening and golf.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 10AM at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018, of which he was a founding member, with Father James Podlesny, OSB, presiding. Visitation will be from 7-8 PM on Sunday August 16, 2009 at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 and again on Monday morning from 8:15-9:15 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Mr. Podlesny's name to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Building Fund, 245 W. Pine St, Palmyra, PA 17078.