Stanley W. Gorzelic

Stanley W. Gorzelic, 88, of Orefield, formerly of Bethlehem died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Alex and Mary Janovick Gorzelic. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Minerva Azar Gorzelic.

Stan served as a non-commissioned officer in the 8th Army Air Corp during World War II. He was a prominent member of the Bethlehem Business Community for 45 years. He and his wife co-owned and operated Stanley Decorating Center in Bethlehem. Upon retirement they were recognized for their many contributions to the community through active support of the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Catholic High School, Hogar Crea, Musikfest, and many other local schools and charities. For many years, Stan served as chairman of the Bethlehem Halloween Parade Committee and Mayor Kenneth Smith proclaimed January 25, 1997 as Stanley and Minerva Gorzelic Day in honor of their years of community service. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Orefield, a member of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Sienna Choir, and a past member of St. Anne's Catholic Church of Bethlehem. In life he enjoyed travel, continued business connections with long time friends and customers, and family, being an avid fan of his grandchildren following their participation in academics, new careers, sports, music and dance.

He will be lovingly remembered by: daughters, Nancy Hersch of Orefield; Susan Griffith and husband David of Orefield; Linda Neal and husband Robert of Richmond, VA; sons, Stanley R. and wife Patricia of Bethlehem; Michael and wife Mary Lou of Orefield; brother John Gorzelic of Bethlehem; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, One Reed St. Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19147.