John C. Lychak

Dr. John C. Lychak, 96, of Bethlehem, peacefully passed on Tuesday, February 7, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elizabeth A. (Hassick) Lychak. He was born in Hokendauqua on November 25, 1926 to the late John and Mary (Grason) Lychak. At the age of 16 he was the valedictorian of the 1943 class of Catasauqua High School. Thereafter he entered the Navy College Officers Program at Villanova and graduated pre-med from Muhlenberg College in 1946. After which he attended medical school at Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1950 at the age of 23. During this time he served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Dr. Lychak completed his residency at the University of Pennsylvania and was board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology in 1956. After returning to Bethlehem Dr. Lychak started his private practice and served on the St. Lukes Hospital staff from 1954-1994. With his colleague they established the Psychiatry Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg thereby enabling it to become a licensed hospital. He was appointed Chief of Psychiatry from 1980 until 1989 and remained on staff until 1994. He continued in private practice in Bethlehem for 58 years until his retirement in 2015. John and his family were members of Saucon Valley Country Club from 1960 until the present and also a member of the Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem. John was a passionate tennis player, skier, swimmer and outdoors man well into his 80s. This dedication to fitness continued until recently. In addition, John loved learning, with an endless appetite for reading, movies, opera, traveling and new experiences.

Survivors: In addition to his loving wife of 32 years; daughter: Jane L. Fontenot of Houston, TX; son: John D. Lychak of Bethlehem; step-daughter: Lisa A. (Kathryn A.) Kresge of Allentown, grandchildren: Andy Fontenot, Cameron Fontenot and Noah Fontenot all of Texas; 2 great grandchildren; niece: Valerie Bollock-Thomas of Florida; nephew: Robert Lychak of Virginia. Predeceased by his daughter: Judith A. Lychak-Sweet; brother: Dr. Edward Lychak; nephew: Edward Lychak.

Service: A visitation will be held 10:30-11:30am Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc.-245 East Broad Street-Bethlehem followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30am. Online condolences may be made at www.connellfuneral.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to NAMI of the Lehigh Valley, 802 West Broad Street-Bethlehem, PA 18018 and/or Central Moravian Church, 73 West Church Street-Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Visitation
Saturday, February 18, 2023
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Memorial Service
Saturday, February 18, 2023
11:30 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

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