Stephen L. Chanitz

Stephen L. Chanitz, Sr., 83, of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. He was born in Bethlehem, the son of the late Stephen J. and Catherine (Mlinko) Chanitz. He was the loving husband of 61 years to Barbara (Chapo) Chanitz.

Stephen graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War. While serving in Okinawa, Japan, Stephen started at fullback and punter for the Navy Football Team, averaging 57 yards a punt and was documented by “The Stars and Stripes” newspaper. He also was teammates with Tommy Dorsey, Jr.

Upon returning home, he worked for Bethlehem Steel in the Number 2 Roll Shop. He later began his career with the City of Bethlehem as Zoning Officer and Bureau of Inspections Chief, retiring after 39 years.

Stephen was also a great baseball player. He pitched a no-hit first game in the PFAL League in Bethlehem where he struck out 15 batters and walked 3. He also pitched for the Agana Flyers Baseball Team, League Champs on the Island of Agana, Guam.

Stephen was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Bernards, the Lehigh Boosters and Goodfellows Club. He also dedicated many years to coaching many youth sports.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Jacqueline; sons, Gregory and wife, Shirley, and Stephen L. Chanitz, Jr. and life partner, Emily S. Hoover; daughter-in-law, Wanda Chanitz; his four grandchildren, Christopher Chanitz and wife, Jennifer, Tyler, Ian and Samantha; and his two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Quinn. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Chanitz.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church and/or Bethlehem Catholic High School, 2133 Madison Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Visitation
Sunday, September 24, 2017
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Monday, September 25, 2017
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, September 25, 2017
10:00 AM
Notre Dame Catholic Church
1861 Catasauqua Rd.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531