Frank Banko

Frank Banko of Richland Township Bucks County, 92 years old, a true entrepreneur who has always worked hard and at the same time has always been very generous to his community died Saturday Morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenburg.

Born in Bethlehem he is the son of the late Frank and Lena Belar Banko

Mr. Banko was married to Elizabeth Gander Banko for 52 years prior to her death in 2001

While attending Lehigh University, with plans to go on to law school, Mr. Banko's father died so he brought his considerable talents to Banko Beverage Co.

He had an instinctive business sense, a dedication to hard work and succeeding commitment and perhaps most importantly, a down to earth modesty, honesty, and humility that translates into a fierce devotion from all the people, at every level and location, that call him "Mr. B".

Mr. Banko was the Chairman of Banko Beverages and served as CEO of Warren Distributing Co. of Flanders, Trenton, N.J. and Blue Anchor, N.J. a wholesale distributor and was Owner of Banko Real Estate Co. He is the founder of Banko Business Enterprises.

The name Frank Banko is synonymous with community generosity.

He has very generously supported many charities and organizations in the Lehigh Valley including but not limited to: ArtsQuest, Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, Southern Lehigh Community Pool, Lehigh University, Muhlenburg Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital and the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club, Minsi Trail Boy Scouts and Westminster Village.

He helped found Musikfest in the 1980's.

He has served on numerous Boards including: Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Lehigh County Agricultural Society and Embassy Bank and was one of the founders of Goodfellows Club in Bethlehem and the former Ambassador Bank.

He was been inducted into the Lehigh Valley All Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

He is a member of St. John's Windish Lutheran Church in Bethlehem

Mr. Banko is survived by his daughter Mary Ellen Gallo Racz and her husband Michael, and her children Tony and Megan Gallo and his son Frank Banko III, his children Arie, Frank IV, and Lacy Banko. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Mariah and Anthony.

He was preceded in death by his brother Louis and sisters: Mary and Grace.

Mr. Banko's funeral will be private and at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club 1430 Fritz Drive Bethlehem, PA 18017 .