John S. Oravec

John S. Oravec , 103, of Bethlehem, PA died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at St.Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem. Born July 19, 1906 in Bethlehem he was the son of the late Stefan and Johanna Cech Oravec. John was married to Anna E. Polenchar Oravec with whom he celebrated almost 79 years of marriage before she passed away on July 26, 2008.

John worked at the former Bethlehem Steel retiring in 1970. He was a member of Incarnation of Our Lord's Parish, formerly Ss. Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church in Bethlehem. John was named an honorary life member of the United Steelworkers of America for his devoted and loyal years of service with Local # 2599. He also served his country as an Air Raid Warden during WWII.

John was a wonderful husband and father to his family. He was very helpful not just to his family but also to his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

John will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Donald J. Oravec and wife Dolores of Bethlehem and Gerald T. Oravec and wife Carol of Punta Gorda, FL, daughter, Rosemary T. Lilly and husband Wilbur of Bethlehem, brother, Joseph Oravec all of Bethlehem. John is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, George, Stephen and Andrew Oravec and a sister, Mary Laubach.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 9-11 AM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Manor Chapel 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem, PA at 11:30 Am. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Memorial Contributions may be made in John's name to Holy Family Manor 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.