Franklin A. Nace Jr.

Franklin A. Nace Jr.

Franklin A. Nace Jr. of Hanover Township, Lehigh Co., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, after a short illness. His wife of 68 years, Joyce A. (Nahf) Nace, was at his side.

Born in Palmerton, Carbon Co., on June 11, 1938, he was a son of the late Frank A. Nace Sr. and Wanda (Snyder) Nace Gaffney.

He graduated from Tamaqua High School in 1955 and service in the U.S. Air Force from November, 1955, to October, 1959, including a tour in Okinawa.

He retired from the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in June, 2000, after 37 years of service as chief clerk in the Planning Administration & Technical Services Division at Homer Research Laboratories.

Frank worked part-time for 12 years at Two Guys from Harrison in Whitehall.

He was a fast-pitch softball aficionado, having played and/or coached in three leagues spanning four decades, most notable with Bath Legion in the Lehigh Valley League (1977-1991). He served as the league commissioner from 1976-1987 and was a PIAA and NCAA softball official for 20 years.

Frank was inducted into the Lehigh Valley Fast-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2019. He was also honored as being included in the initial group placed on the Patriots Wall of Honor at Patriots Park.

He was a member of Eckley E. Patch American Legion Post 470, Bath, and the Allentown Patriots Athletic Association.

Surviving in addition to his widow are sons, Mark A. of Dallas, TX, and Scott C. (Tracy) of Nazareth; grandsons, Kevin Nace (Natalie) of Phoenixville and Ryan Hill of Bethlehem Twp.; a granddaughter, Rachel Green of Nazareth; and a brother, Mitchell (Linda) Nace of Lehighton.

He was also predeceased by a son, Gregory, who passed in 1983; and a sister, Andrea.

Service: Memorial service 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. Private interment with military honors, Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Visitation 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Contributions in his name may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, and/or Forgotten Felines & Fidos, Inc., www.forgottenfelines.org. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com.