Bernard Benko Sr.

Bernard H. Benko, Sr., 72, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Robin C. (Ryan) Benko with whom he shared 43 years of loving marriage. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Liska) Benko. Bernie was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, class of 1962 and later attended Lehigh Community College and the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Bernie worked as a police officer for the Bethlehem Police Department for 35 years, 20 of which he served as a Sergeant until retiring in 2001. He also served over 7 years as a motorcycle patrolman for the police department. Bernie loved being with his family and always dedicating his time to his children and grandchildren. He was an individual of strong moral character and was always willing to help anyone he could. Bernie loved cars, motorcycles and their cats. He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church of Bethlehem for over 40 years. Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Robin; children Bernard H. Benko, Jr. and his wife Nora of Ambler, Jackie Tumolo and her husband Jerry of Kintersville, Kevin Benko and Melanie Meyer; grandchildren, Alex, Mia, Autumn and Melanie Marie; sister Lanette Crownover and her husband Barry of Nazareth and many loving nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his brother Blaine Benko and sister Letitia Davis. Services: A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday September 28, 2017 at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. and also on Thursday morning from 10:30 AM until time of service. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery. A memory tribute may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animals in Distress, P.O. Box 609, 5075 Limeport Pike Coopersburg, PA 18036.