Stephen Blaschak

Dr. Stephen Blaschak (Lt. Col. Retired USAF), 91, of Allentown, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus. He was the husband of Marianne (Petrisky) Blaschak. The couple celebrated 34 years of marriage on February 13. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Procanyn) Blaschak. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Allentown. Lt. Col. Blaschak was a navigator with U.S Army Air Corps during World War II on the B-17s and in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War on the B29s. He flew 28 combat missions, received several awards including the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Combat and the United Nations Medal, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel after 30 years of combined service in active and reserve duty. Dr. Blaschak was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and earned his Doctorate in 1954 from the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry where he served as Class President. He was an Optometrist, retiring after 38 years in practice, having served as a Past-President of the Lehigh Valley Optometric Society. In his free time, Stephen enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling through the United States and Internationally, golfing and playing the piano. Survivors: Wife; Sons, Stephen M. Blaschak and his wife Betty and Charles E. Blaschak and his wife Mary; Daughter, Christine A. Gossman and her husband Michael T.; Sister, Patricia Hussar and her husband Robert; 6 Grandchildren; and 3 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a Brother, Theodore. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017 at St. Paul's U.C.C., 340 E. Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18109. A viewing will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church. Interment in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.