Frank DeChristopher

Frank A. DeChristopher, 96, formerly of Allentown, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016 in the Lutheran Home at Topton. He was the husband of Valrey (Schattner) DeChristopher. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in July 2015. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Henry and Josephine (Bellizio) DeChristopher. Frank was a 1938 graduate of Allentown H.S. and was the owner of DeChristopher Studio for 40 years (1946-1986). He served with the Army for 5 years during World War II and was discharged as a Corporal in 1945. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, Bronze Service Arrowhead (Salerno Day) and Rifle Cal 30 Sharpshooter. Frank was a member of Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena, where he was a past president of ushers and head usher. He was in the First and Sixth Ward Old-Timers Hall of Fame. He enjoyed bicycle racing and was the 1935 Bicycle Champion. He was a member of the Triangle Institute of Professional Photography, Photographic Arts and Science Hall of Fame, Professional Photographers of America and New York Society of Photographers. Frank served as President of many organizations: Anthracite Professional Photographers Assoc. (1954 - 1957), Professional Photographers Assoc. of PA (1961 - 1962), Parkway Manor Lions Club (1968 - 1969), and Parkland Lions Club (1969 - 1970). He was also a member of Upper Lehigh Lions Club - honored Tail Twister for 35 years and perfect attendance for 35 years. Survivors: Wife, Valrey; Daughter: Phyllis A. Gerancher and her husband George S. of Macungie; Son: Frank A. DeChristopher, Jr. and his wife Jann E. of New Tripoli; Grandchildren: Christopher S. Gerancher, Amy S. (Gerancher) and her husband Scott Schultz, Frank A. "Tony" DeChristopher and his wife Ruth, Sef E. DeChristopher, Jason P. DeChristopher and his wife Maggie, Kyle L. DeChristopher; Great grandchildren: Brennan R. and John R. Gerancher, Stephen P. and Anthony E. Schultz, Angelina M. and Ashlynne J. DeChristopher. Frank was predeceased by brothers Anthony, Joseph, Guy, Nicholas and Alfred and by sisters Lena Ianicelli, Virginia Arduini, Jenny Kloiber and Gracie DeChristopher. Services: Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Monday, Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena, 1825 W. Turner St., Allentown 18104. Call 8:45 - 10:15 am Monday at Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown. www.stephensfuneral.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers to the Church.