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JAMES J. STRAKA

1932 - 2020

JAMES J. STRAKA obituary, 1932-2020, Hellertown, PA

BORN

1932

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Hellertown

326 Main St

Hellertown, Pennsylvania

JAMES STRAKA Obituary

James J. Straka, 88, of Hellertown, died Thursday, December 17, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill. He is the husband of Marcella A. Straka. James was born in Hellertown on January 6, 1932 to the late Philip and Mary (Mindock) Straka. He served our country faithfully in the US Army during Korean War. James worked in the electrical furnace melting department at the former Bethlehem Steel Co for 46 years until retiring in 1996. He is a faithful member of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Hellertown where he supported all the functions of the church, including a charter member of the carnival for 13 years; running the Bingo, Lottery Chances; St. Vincent DePaul Society, and the Holy Name Society. He was also a 50-year member of the Edward H. Ackerman Post 397, Hellertown and member of the Hellertown Historical Society. James was a basketball and baseball player in High School and played Legion Baseball.

SURVIVORS: In addition to his loving wife of 61 years last April 4; children: Deborah Ann (Roy Jr.) Garrett of Friendsville, TN; Lori Jane Schneider of New Tripoli, J. Brian, DMD of Hellertown and his children: Vincent Brian & Sydney Olivia; siblings: Irene H. Falatek of Hellertown, George P. (Mary) Straka of Schnecksville. Predeceased by a sister: Dorothy Borota.

SERVICE: Family and friends are invited to call 9 - 9:50 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2020 at St. Theresa's Church, 1408 Easton Road, Hellertown followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. The interment will conclude services at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. Military Honors will be accorded by the Edward H. Ackerman Post 397, Hellertown. Make positive choices following CDC guidelines. Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at: www.heintzelmancares.com. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. – Hellertown.

CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorials to his church, 1408 Easton Road, Hellertown, PA 18055.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Dec. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES STRAKA

Sponsored by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Hellertown.

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Kathy Duda

January 6, 2021

Dear Marcie & Family,
Our condolences on the passing of Jim. He was such a bright fixture at the church. Always pleasant, always smiling, very uplifting. He will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and may your memories comfort you in you sorrow. In our prayers......

The Duda Family

Cynthia Moninghoff

December 29, 2020

I'm so very sorry for your lose. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris Rowe

December 23, 2020

Mrs. Straka I’m so sorry on the passing of Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤ He was a great guy. Love you, Bill,Chrissy,Billy and Josh Rowe

Lenny and Donna Casciole

December 23, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. nice man we will him if you need anything Marcy let us know.

Karen Jamann

December 21, 2020

Marcie, Debbie, Lori and Brian,
We were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a vital presence at church and a staunch supporter of our school. God bless and keep you.
Bill, Karen, Bobby & Greg Jamann

St.Theresa parishioner

December 21, 2020

Always a pleasure to see him at church, so friendly and happy! Best salesman after church, I was honored to buy lottery tickets from him after mass. God bless your family.
Will miss seeing him and his friendly smile at mass.

Mary Kay Fischer-Clark

December 19, 2020

Mrs. Straka, Debbie, Lori, and Brian, I was so sad when I heard the news. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Straka from childhood. I wouldn't change a thing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen Kramer

December 19, 2020

Mrs Straka and family. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Straka. He was always friendly and will be missed by all. I will miss being greeted by him at church each week. Our prayers go out to you and you family

Michele Dahlgren (Pavis)

December 19, 2020

To the whole Straka Family,

So many GREAT childhood memories included me with your family......school lunch dates, Swedish pancakes, dance recitals, sleepovers, birthday parties, church carnivals, Christmas Eve gatherings. Your dad always made me feel like I was a big part of your family. I feel so much sadness today knowing that this very wonderful person is no longer with us on our earth, but I know his big personality and smile is shining down on all of you. I wish you all much peace and comfort during this difficult time. And please know that I will never forget the love your husband, and Dad gave me throughout my formidable years. Love and comfort to each and every one of you. XOXO

Terry Trumbower

December 19, 2020

Debbie- So sorry to hear the passing of your father. My condolences to you and your family. In this year of 2020, stay strong and positive going forward.

Ginny Seaman

December 19, 2020

Our sympathies to the Straka family. We always enjoyed the times we were with Jim at activities at Saint Theresa. He was an asset to the parish and very friendly to all of us. He always asked about our family. We will remember him in our prayers. Ginny and Jon Seaman

December 19, 2020

So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. My heart is with you Marcy. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and Jim will forever hold a special place in my heart. You added countless smiles to my days at St. Theresa School. May you find comfort knowing he rests in peace in the loving arms of our Lord. ❤ Louise

December 19, 2020

Dear Marcie,
So sad for your family. Jim was such a nice person and did so much for our parish. He always had a smile and a thought for us all. He will be truly missed.
God bless you and your family. Steve and Fran Roseman

December 19, 2020

Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.

God Bless You!
God be with your family!

Sincerely,
A Grateful US Citizen

Marlee Moughan Wilson

December 18, 2020

Mrs. Straka and family,
We are so very sad to read about Mr. Straka. He always had a warm and friendly smile when we saw him. I feel like I grew up around him and so did my kids. He will be missed.

Rose Moser (Fabian)

December 18, 2020

We are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a nice guy! Always enjoyed seeing him at church and It was always a lot of fun to work with him when we worked the school bingos. We will really miss him. Sending our deepest sympathy to the family. May the good memories you have with him comfort you at this sad time!

Elaine Davis

December 18, 2020

Dear Marcy, Debbie, Lori and Brian,
We send warm hugs and thoughts and prayers of comfort at this difficult time. We shared so many special memories and are sorry we can’t be with you. May God Bless and keep you all.
Blessings and love,
Elaine and Bob Davis

John Illingworth

December 18, 2020

A wonderful neighbor for last 25 years and an all around good guy. Our deepest sympathies to the Straka family. The Illingworth Family

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Heidi Kelly

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Memorial Events
for JAMES STRAKA

Dec

21

Calling hours

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

St. Theresa's Church

1408 Easton Road, Hellertown, PA

Dec

21

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Theresa's Church

1408 Easton Road, Hellertown, PA

Dec

21

Interment

Union Cemetery of Hellertown

PA

Funeral services provided by:

Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. - Hellertown

326 Main St, Hellertown, PA 18055

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