Stephen Chanitz Obituary

Stephen L. Chanitz, Sr., 83, of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. He was born in Bethlehem, the son of the late Stephen J. and Catherine (Mlinko) Chanitz. He was the loving husband of 61 years to Barbara (Chapo) Chanitz. Stephen graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked for Bethlehem Steel in the Number 2 Roll Shop. He later began his career with the City of Bethlehem as Zoning Officer and Bureau of Inspections Chief, retiring after 39 years. Stephen was a parishioner of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Bernard's, the Lehigh Boosters and Goodfellows Club. He also dedicated many years to coaching many youth sports. Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Jacqueline; sons, Gregory and wife, Shirley, and Stephen L. Chanitz, Jr. and life partner, Emily S. Hoover; daughter-in-law, Wanda Chanitz; his four grandchildren, Christopher Chanitz and wife, Jennifer, Tyler, Ian and Samantha; and his two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Quinn. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Chanitz. Services: A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. on Monday at Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be private. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church and/or Bethlehem Catholic High School, 2133 Madison Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.