Frank E. Podleiszek, a man whose life was a symphony of service, dedication, and community spirit, passed away on May 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and unwavering commitment to his hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Born on September 14, 1935, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, Frank was the son of the late Frank and Theresa (Duh) Podleiszek, and he was the brother of Ronald R. Podleiszek and his wife Margaret.

A proud graduate of Liberty High School's class of 1953, Frank's passion for music education led him to Penn State University, where he graduated in 1957. His thirst for knowledge took him further to Rutgers University for postgraduate studies, equipping him with the skills that would shape his career and impact countless lives.

Frank's professional journey as a music teacher and department head in the Morrisville Borough School District in Bucks County was marked by his dedication to his students and the art of music. His excellence in teaching was recognized when he was honored as the outstanding teacher of the year by his peers and the administration. Yet, retirement from teaching was not the end but a new beginning for Frank, who returned to Bethlehem in 1988 and immersed himself in community service.

His involvement with St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church was profound. He not only served on various committees but also chaired the church's 100th Anniversary Celebration, raising over $70,000 for the church. Frank's community spirit shone brightly during Bethlehem's 250th Anniversary Celebration, where he played a pivotal role in the Slovenian contingent's participation and managed the "Bethlehem Sings" 1,000 Voices Choir Concert at Stabler Arena.

St. Luke's University Health Network benefited immensely from Frank's generosity, as he volunteered over 2,700 hours, serving as Assistant Director and Soloist for the St. Luke's Singers and managing significant fundraising efforts. His volunteerism extended to organizations like Musikfest, Bethlehem Friends of Music, South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center, The Greater Bethlehem Council of Churches, South Bethlehem Historical Society, and St. Johns Chancel Players, among others.

Even in his later years, Frank's zeal for volunteering never waned. He continued to contribute to the Ethnic Christmas Tree Display at Comfort Suites, directed carol singing at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and remained active in the Bethlehem/Murska Sobota Sister Cities Association. His dedication to the arts was evident as he sang with the Musikfest Chorus, volunteered as a docent at the Lehigh University Art Galleries, served as Archivist for St. John's Windish Lutheran Church, and was also a dedicated volunteer for the Lehigh University Art Galleries Archive.

Frank's extraordinary volunteer service earned him numerous accolades, including the Freedom to Volunteer Award, the Edwin H. Frey Award, and the Special Volunteer Award. His impact was so significant that May 18, 1998, was proclaimed "Frank E. Podleiszek Day" in Bethlehem.

A faithful member of Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church at Rosemont, Frank was known for his intelligence, warmth, and unwavering faith. His life stood as a testament to the power of generosity, the joy found in music, and the strength of community. The melody of his life will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him and in the many lives he touched through his tireless service.

Services: A Funeral Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10 A.M. until time of the service. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church at Rosemont, 1705 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.