Dr. Donald Michael Sledz M.D.

Donald M. Sledz, MD, had a voracious appetite for life that led him to travel around the world and experience many of the wonderful things that he heard about from his patients and co-workers at Sacred Heart Hospital. He inspired this passion in others and was joined in his adventures by those close to him, including his long-time partner Nancy Hersch, his brother Leonard (Ana) Sledz, his former wife Dr. Ann Marie Sledz, and their children, Dr. Kelly (Brian) Freed, Cathy (David Monroe) Sledz, Don (Doris) Sledz, Tim (Marci) Sledz, and their eight grandchildren, Ceci, Sean and Megan Freed; Eva and Devon Monroe; and Julia, Jacob and Daniel Sledz. In the addition to the family members mentioned above, he is also survived by his loving nieces, Carol (Michael) Keys and Katherine Sledz. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Helen and Leonard Sledz.

As Chief of Urology at Sacred Heart Hospital, Dr. Sledz was a beloved mentor and impacted the lives of those he worked with and the thousands of patients he met and treated for over forty years. It was his life's passion. He loved his patients and co-workers as much as they loved him and his two Great Pyrenees dogs, Morgan and Bemus, whom he would bring on rounds…much to the hospital's chagrin. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his patients and his family.

A proud alumnus of Georgetown University undergraduate and medical school, his passion for medicine transferred to his wife Ann Marie who completed her medical degree after marrying Donald. The legendary stories of their Christmas parties for their combined practices are still talked about today, including the grizzly bear and the belly dancers. He also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and told stories that sounded straight out of M*A*S*H.

When he wasn't traveling far and wide, he found joy in walking his dogs at Jordan Park with Nancy and listening to classical music (he thought no music should have been produced after Mozart!). An avid reader and true renaissance man, he enjoyed learning about art, creating things with his hands, the thrill of auctions, exploring world religions and more. There really wasn't a topic that didn't fascinate him.

He had a long and colorful life and when he passed away quietly on Saturday, March 12th, he was surrounded by those who loved him. He will be remembered fondly and missed by all who had the privilege to cross his path. There will never be another Donald M. Sledz.

Services: Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family this Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. in the JAMES FUNERAL HOME 527 St. Bethlehem. Further services will be private and at the convenience of the family. More info at www.jamesfuneralhome.org. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042 (https://www.healthyanimalcenter.org/donate ) or Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, 850 S. 5th St., Allentown, PA 18103 ( https://www.goodshepherdrehab.org/about-good-shepherd/donation-form/ ).