Colonel Frank R. Fischl Jr.

Colonel Frank R. Fischl, Jr., 89 of Allentown, passed away October 12, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Anne L. (Eckert) Fischl. They were married for 41 years in June. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Frank R. Fischl, Sr. and the late Helen (Gehringer) Fischl. He was predeceased by brothers Bud and Dick. Frank graduated from Allentown High School in 1945. After a two year stint in the Army Air Corps., he moved on to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he lettered in football basketball and track. His 1950 football team was nationally ranked second. After graduation in 1951, he entered the United States Air Force accumulating over 5000 hours in multi-engine jets and supersonic jet fighters. Frank flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. Throughout his career, he was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest medal for valor, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, eleven Air Medals, two Battle Stars and the Legion of Merit for meritorious service. He was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C. and earned a MBA from Syracuse University. On a tour of duty at the United States Air Force Academy, he served as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. His last assignment was Director of Safety for the U. S. Air Force in Europe. From 1978-1982 Frank was active as Mayor of the City of Allentown. In 1991, he was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Hall of Fame. That same year he completed a full term on the Public Utility Commission appointed by Governor Richard Thornburgh. As a devoted husband and father Frank will be greatly missed. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed an evening of bridge with friends. During his retirement he crafted golf clubs and was a passionate Yankees fan. "And when our work is done, Our course on Earth is run, May it be said: 'Well done. Be thou at peace.'" Survivors: Wife; daughters Dianne Fischl of Philadelphia, PA and Donna Fischl of Chesapeake, VA; step-daughter Nancy Greisamer and her husband Chuck Fetterman of Allentown; sister-in-law Kathryn Eckert Gander of Allentown; nieces Jan and her husband Jeff Hovan of Coopersburg, JoAnn and her husband Leo Decker of New Smyrna Beach, FL , Maryann Preston Miller and her husband Don of Macungie granddaughter, Mia of Chesapeake, VA. Services: A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 2 P.M. in the Grandview Cemetery, 2735 Walbert Ave. Allentown. Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. www.jsburkholder.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Alzheimer's Disease Research 22512 Gateway Center Dr., P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950