Joseph P. Gescek

Joseph P. "Ray, Rutchie" Gescek, 80, of Bethlehem died peacefully at home Saturday, October 16, 2010 surrounded by his children after his long battle with lung cancer. He was the son of the late Phillip and Frances Doncsecz Gyecsek. Born in Bethlehem he attended Liberty High School and in 1948 joined the US Army serving 8 months in Korea during the Korean War Conflict. He left the Army in 1952 given the rank of Sergeant. He worked for the Bethlehem Steel Corp. for over 43 years retiring in 1993. He was a dedicated father to his children and grandchildren, whom he was very proud of. He was a very active member of the Bethlehem YMCA for nearly 50 years winning awards for many activities. He was also a life-time member of the Tammany Democratic Assoc. in Bethlehem. Joseph was a member of the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bethlehem. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Raymond, and wife Marybeth Kuruc of Hellertown, daughter, Pamela Rodweller and husband Bill of Bethlehem, grandchildren Troy, Melissa, and Erin, former wife, Joyce Gescek of Bethlehem, brothers, Emil of Hellertown, Edward of Modesto, Ca., and sister Betty DeSort of Spearfish, S.D.

He was predeceased by brother, Frank Gecsek, sisters Helen Kovacs , Mary Balog , and Theresa Washitza.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Joseph's life will be held 10AM on Wednesday October 20, 2010 at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18018. Calling hours will be held Tuesday Evening 7-9PM and Wednesday morning 9-10AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery in Bethlehem.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Bethlehem YMCA 430 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, Pa. 18018