John M. Banks

John M. Banks, 84, of Bethlehem, died on Friday, November 23, 2007 at St.Lukes Hospital.

He was born December 19, 1922 in Campbell, NE the son of the late John F. and Zeta A. Foutz Banks.

John was preceded in death by his wife Betty-Jane N. Wood Banks in 1995.

He retired from Lock Joint-Interpace Corporation in 1987 after 50 years of service as an accountant. John later worked as an accountant for Arias of Union, NJ and College Gifted Program of New Jersey, a summer camp for gifted children.

John will be lovingly remembered by his family, daughters, Marguerite A. Caso of Hershey, PA and Mary Therese Marchetti of Bethlehem Twp, PA and sons, James L. Banks of Austin TX; John P. Banks of Bethlehem Twp, PA; Thomas M. Banks of Tampa, FL; and Patrick J. Banks of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Stean of Hastings, NE and brother Fred Banks of Dexter, ME as well as his 12 grandchildren and one great grandson.

He was predeceased by his sister Betty Parks.

John was a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council 313 where he was a 4th degree knight and held various positions. He was also a member of the Serra Club of Bethlehem.

John was a dedicated member of both St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Cedar Grove, NJ and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Bethlehem, PA; where he supported the church and catholic education in several capacities. He was also a lay minister at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill, PA.

John was proud of his Swedish and Midwestern roots; he enjoyed playing bridge as well as listening to opera and big band music.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday November 27, 2007 at Connell Funeral Home, Inc 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA from 2-4 PM and 7-9PM. Another visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday November 28, 2007 from 8-9:15AM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Rd Bethlehem, PA on Wednesday November 28, 2007 at 10AM.

The family invites anyone interested in attending the burial service to join them at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, NJ on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1:30PM

Memorial Contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Memorial Fund c/o Trinity Council P.O. Box 1427 Bethlehem, PA 18016-1427 or Adopt a Child Fund at St. Catherine of Siena 339 Pompton Ave. Cedar Grove, NJ 07009