Frederick Francis Payonk

Frederick Payonk of Bethlehem passed away on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. Born in Northampton on Dec. 20, 1925, he was the son of the late John and Catherine Emerick Payonk.

Mr. Payonk graduated from Allentown Central Catholic H.S. in 1943. He then joined the U.S. Navy where he proudly served the United States of America in WWII in the South Pacific from 1944-1946.

After the war he returned to the Lehigh Valley and worked for the UGI Corporation, retiring in 1988 after 32 years of service.

An avid golfer and naturalist, Fred loved the outdoors and the camaraderie of his golfing buddies.

A long time member of Notre Dame Parish in Bethlehem, Mr. Payonk is survived by his wife of 60 years Gloria Rose Payonk, a son Fred Payonk, Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., a brother John Payonk of Whitehall, a brother Bernie Payonk and his wife Irene of Bethlehem and a sister Carolyn Hodle of Surprise, AZ. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, from 8:15AM - 9:15AM. Services at 9:15AM in the funeral home will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM at Notre Dame Church.

Entombment with full military honors will follow at Bethlehem Memorial Park.

Please direct memorial contributions in tribute to Mr. Payock to Notre Dame Elementary School, 1861 Catasaqua Rd., Bethlehem, 18018.