Joseph R. Gerencser

Joseph R. "Big Joe" Gerencser, 81, of Bethlehem, died Thursday, March 1, 2007 at St.Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill. He was born February 18, 1926 in Northampton, the son of the late Frank and Theresa Grohotulsky Gerencser. He was the loving husband of Catherine J. SpevakGerencser of Bethlehem. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past April 30th. Joe moved to Bethlehem in 1930. He was a graduate of Bethlehem Technical High School. He was employed by Bethlehem Steel Corp. for 40 years, retiring in 1983 as The Division Foreman in the Saucon Pipe Shop. After retirement, Joe worked for Northampton Community College as an instructor in pipe fitting and plumbing for 5 years. His most recent employment was for William Elek Plumbing and Heating as shop manager and salesman, a position he held for 15 years. In addition, Joe served as Judge of Elections in the 4th district south for 24 years before moving out of the district. He served his country proudly during World War II in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 aboard The LSS 109. He also served in the Navy Reserves from 1947 to 1953. Joe was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan. His memberships include: The Heights AA, National Sokols, life member of Grover Cleveland Democratic Club, The Hellertown American Legion, the former Hungarian Catholic Club, the former Bethlehem Steel Club, National USS LSM Assoc., PA USS LSM/LSMR Assoc. and a member of St. John Capistrano Catholic Church of Bethlehem.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife Catherine, son, Larry Gerencser of Bethlehem; daughter, Denise, wife of Kevin McCauley of Carlisle; a brother, Frank Gerencser of Hellertown; sisters, Helen Begany of Fountain Hill; Theresa Sodl of Coplay; grandchildren, Randi and Eric Gerencser, Laura and Katie McCauley and his great-grandson, Anthony Joseph Gerencser.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 9 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 East Broad St. Bethlehem, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at St. John Capistrano Catholic Church 912 East Fourth St. Bethlehem. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday 8-9 a.m. both in the funeral home. Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, in Bethlehem.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John Capistrano Catholic Church or

SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.