John Czekner
John Czekner Sr., 87, formerly of Allentown, died July 17, 2009 at Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Lexington, VA. Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Joseph and Anna (Tarafas) Czekner. He was the loving husband of Helen (Sos) Czekner for over 62 years. He was employed by Northampton and Bath (N&B) Railroad Co. for 38 years. He served as equipment maintenance specialist on the N&B for 12 years and shop foreman for 5 years. He was a life long member of St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Church, Allentown. He performed maintenance as a volunteer with the Tuesday crew at St. Stephens for 14 years. He served as leader of Boy Scout Troop 10 at St. Stephens. He was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Sick and Beneficial Society in Northampton. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0029, the Catholic War Veterans Post 454, the VFW, and the 48 & 8 Local 920. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He attained the rank of Technical Corporal (Reconnaissance NCO). He campaigned with the 1st and 5th armies in North Africa, Sicily, Corsica, France, and Germany. He fought in the battle for Hill 609 in North Africa and participated in the invasion of Southern France.
Survivors: Wife; Son, John, Jr., husband of Barbara of Fairfield, VA; Grandchildren, John, Robert, Elizabeth, and Joseph; Great grandsons, John and Matthew; Step great grandchildren, Kayla and Ashley.
Services: Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 A.M., Thursday, July 23, 2009 at St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Church, 510 Union St., Allentown, PA. Viewing: 9:00 - 10:00 A.M., Thursday at Weber Funeral Home, 1619 Hamilton St., Allentown. Interment in Our Lady of Hungary Cemetery, Northampton. (www.weberfuneralhomes.com)
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to the American Heart Association.