Francis R. Donchez

Francis R. Donchez, 78, of Bethlehem passed away on Wednesday January 30, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg Campus after a short Illness. He was married to Rose M. (Mandic) Donchez for 54 years. He was the son of the late Frank S. and Julia A. (Sinko) Donchez. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1952. He was a graduate of Lehigh University with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering.

After graduation he began his career at Bethlehem Steel Co. in the 1956 loop course training program in the metallurgical department. After several advancements in the department he retired as a senior supervisor of the Bethlehem Steel plant laboratories. He then started his own consulting company in tool steel services.

Francis became active in the Lehigh University Alumni Assoc. He volunteered on the reunion week-end and telethons. He was the first to receive the Robert A. Harrier Award. He was treasurer of the Class of ‘56' of Lehigh University, member of the Newman Foundation, life member of the American Society for Metals, member of the Engineers Club of the Lehigh Valley.

He was a member of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church and St. Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem, Pa. While a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church he was a reader and Eucharistic minister. He was also selected as Man of the Year. He was a member of the former Bethlehem Steel Club, and charter member of the Burnside Plantation.

Francis is survived by his wife, Rose, sons, Francis R. Donchez Jr. and wife Beverly of Davenport, Iowa, and David J. Donchez and wife Paula of Allentown, and daughter Michele C. Donchez of Bethlehem, grandchildren, Madison, Molly, Nathan, and Jacob, great grandson, Noah, brother, Thomas Donchez of Bethlehem and sister, Dolores Stummer of Bethlehem.

A prayer service will be held 10am Saturday February 2, 2013 at the Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 416 E. 5th St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18015. A viewing will be held from 8:30am -10am Saturday morning at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne's Catholic Church 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem, Pa. 18017 or to the Parkinson's Disease Assoc. #1 Medical Center Blvd. Upland, Pa. 19013.



Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531