Bernard J. Krokus, Jr., 77, of Bethlehem, PA died Friday, September 25, 2026, at Cedarbrook Senior Care, South Whitehall Township.  Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Bernard J. Krokus, Sr. and Josephine (Rosati) Krokus. A 1967 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School, Bernie attended the former Greenbriar Military School (Lewisburg, WV), Kutztown University, and Northampton Community College, where he earned an associate degree in 2002. Bernie worked in community service for the City of Allentown Health Bureau for many years before retiring. Previously he worked in the field of wastewater treatment for the City of Allentown, J.M. Montgomery Engineers, and the City of Easton, where he was assistant superintendent at the plant. After retiring, Bernie worked at the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank and followed a venerable Krokus tradition, patrolling the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course as a ranger.

Bernie was a wonderful combination of tough guy, smart guy, and sensitive guy. His physical fitness, athletic accomplishments, weightlifting prowess—still bench-pressing 400+ pounds in his 50s—and myriad stories of heroic scraps and brawls are legendary. However, at his core he was a big-hearted lover, ever the champion of the little guy or gal, and an easy pushover with his kids, grandkids, their friends, and his several pet dogs, especially Layla, his companion through the last 13 years of their lives. He was an avid reader and follower of politics, eager to discuss a favorite novel or his progressive political ideas with anyone who would listen.

Bernie was devoted to his family, doing his best to provide an environment of security, affection, and encouragement for his children, grandchildren, and mother, Peppy, with whom he spoke every day, before and after her passing, and with whom he will be buried. He was also the primary caregiver for his father in the last years of his life. He couldn't wait for opportunities to spend time with his sister and brother, and he was loyal to his friends, several of whom he met in grade school and has been getting into trouble with ever since. Bernie knew his fair share of suffering as well, from childhood on, and especially in these last years as he was gradually overcome by the symptoms of Lewy body dementia. Yet Bernie was a man of deep faith, convinced of the guidance, protection, and friendship of Jesus, and trusting in the justice and goodness of God. He said his prayers, and now we say ours, praying that Bernie basks in the divine healing embrace, realizing just how loved he is and always has been.

Survivors: Sons, Christian Krokus and his wife Melinda of Scranton, Bernard J. Krokus III and his partner Jennifer Helston of Bethlehem; daughter, Shawna Foltz and her husband Clayton of Northampton; brother, Bruce J. "Rocky" Krokus and his wife Roe of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Theodore, Josephine, Kylie, Jacob, Cameron, Ashton, and Abbi; niece, Rachel, and nephews, Joshua and Mark. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Beverly J. Hughes, and his nephew, Alexander B. Krokus.

Service: A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:30AM at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem. A calling period will be held from 10:00 to 10:30AM at the church.  Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.  Luncheon to follow.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem.  Please record a memory at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions may be made in Bernie's memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://lbda.org.