The Reverend Raymond P. Slezak

THE REVEREND RAYMOND P. SLEZAK, M.DIV.

Retired Priest of the Diocese of Allentown, died on Friday, June 9, 2017, at his home in Luzerne County. He was 68 years of age. Born in Hamtramck, Michigan, Father Slezak was the son of the late Raymond and Helen (Tomczyk) Slezak.

Father Slezak attended Saint Ladislaus Grade School, and Saint Ladislaus High School, Hamtramck, Michigan; Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, Michigan; Saint Mary College; Oakland University, and Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he received a Masters of Divinity degree.

Father Slezak was ordained to the Priesthood on May 18, 1974, by the Most Reverend Joseph M. McShea, founding Bishop of Allentown, in the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

His first priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Saint Ursula Parish, Fountain Hill, followed by Professor, Allentown Central Catholic High School, with residence at Sacred Heart Rectory, Allentown, then in residence at Saint Peter Rectory, Coplay; Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter Parish, Coplay; Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, Allentown, and Parochial Vicar, Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Minersville.

Father Slezaks first Pastoral assignment was Pastor, Saint Anthony Parish, Millmont, Reading, followed by Pastor, Saint Mary Parish, Ringtown; Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Sheppton; Pastor, Saint Joseph and Saint Stanislaus Parishes, Bethlehem, and Administrator, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Allentown.

During the course of his Priestly Ministry, Father Slezak served in the following secondary assignments: Regional Director of Vocations, Lehigh County; Special Advocate, Diocesan Tribunal; Defender of the Bond, Diocesan Tribunal; Member, Holy Name High School Budget Board.

Father Slezak was named a Retired Priest on June 15, 2010.

He is survived by brothers, Robert Slezak and wife, Sharon, of Chesterfield, Michigan; Michael Slezak and wife, Marcy, of Chesterfield, Michigan; sister, Delphine Slezak, of Hamtramck, Michigan, and a nephew.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Saints Simon and Jude Church, 730 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial for Father Slezak will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 730 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at 11:00 A.M. The Main Celebrant will be His Excellency, The Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, Bishop Emeritus. The Homilist will be the Reverend David J. Kozak, Parochial Vicar, Saint Peter the Apostle Parish, Reading. The Main Concelebrants will be the Reverend Monsignor Gerald E. Gobitas, Secretary for Clergy, Chancellor, and Rector, Holy Family Villa for Priests, and the Reverend David J. Kozak. Interment will take place in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, Father Ray has requested that a mass be celebrated in his memory.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
SS Simon & Jude Catholic Church
730 W. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
11:00 AM
SS Simon & Jude Catholic Church
730 W. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US

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