Franklin Nace, Jr.

Franklin A. Nace, Jr., of Hanover Township, Lehigh Co., passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025 after a short illness. His wife of 68 years, Joyce A. (Nahf) Nace was at his side. Born in Palmerton, Carbon Co., on June 11, 1938 to the late Frank A. Nace, Sr., and Wanda (Snyder) Nace Gaffney.

He graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1955 and service in the US Air Force from November 1955 to October 1959, including a tour in Okinawa. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in June 2000 after 37 years of service as Chief Clerk in the Planning Administration & Technical Services Division at Homer Research Laboratories. Frank worked part-time for 12 years at Two Guys from Harrison in Whitehall. He was a fast-pitch softball aficionado having played and/or coached in three leagues spanning four decades. Most notable with Bath Legion in the Lehigh Valley League (1977-1991). He served as the League Commissioner from 1976-1987 and was a PIAA and NCAA softball official for 20 years.

Frank was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Fast-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also honored as being included in the initial group placed on the Patriots Wall of Honor at Patriots Park. He was a member of Eckley E. Patch American Legion Post 470, Bath, PA and the Allentown Patriots Athletic Association.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Joyce; sons: Mark A. of Dallas, TX, Scott C. (Tracy) of Nazareth; grandsons: Kevin Nace (Natalie), of Phoenixville and Ryan Hill of Bethlehem Twp; granddaughter: Rachel Green, of Nazareth; brother: Mitchell (Linda) Nace of Lehighton. He was predeceased by his son, Gregory who passed in 1983 and sister, Andrea.

Services: A visitation will be held from 6-7pm, Wednesday March 12, 2025 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a Memorial Service at 7pm. The burial will be held private with Military Honors at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com.

Contributions: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org and/or Forgotten Felines & Fidos, Inc., www.forgottenfelines.org