Sponsored Sponsored content Franklin Porter Hardy, Jr., 87, Formerly of Steel City (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Franklin Porter Hardy Jr. (1938 – 2026)

Franklin Porter Hardy Jr., 87, of The Birches of Lehigh Valley, formerly of Steel City, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at the VNA Hospice House of St. Luke’s, Lower Saucon Township. He was the husband of Priscilla T. (Vallone) Hardy. Frank was born in Lewistown, Pa., on March 4, 1938 to the late Franklin Porter Hardy Sr. and Rexine K. (Coble) Hardy. He was a 1956 graduate of Columbia High School. He then served our country faithfully in the U.S. Army during peacetime. Following his military service, he attended Youngstown State University in Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1965. Frank was a member of St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem. He was a well-respected manager in the retail industry, known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He worked for K-Mart, Sears and Bottom Dollar in Bethlehem and Giant in Hellertown and on Linden Street in Bethlehem until retiring. Frank was known for his warm spirit and generosity, particularly during the holiday season, when he brought joy to countless children by playing Santa at Giant. His impressive knowledge of sports and especially his loyalty to the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia sports teams made him a familiar and beloved figure among friends and family. Frank also had a sweet tooth and enjoyed sharing the joy of treats. A huge fan of the movie “Field of Dreams,” he often watched the movie with family.

SURVIVORS

In addition to his loving wife of 37 years; stepdaughters: Roxann Benny-Gilroy of Freemansburg, Debbie (Michael) Pruzinsky of Whitehall, Donna (Thomas) Louder of Steel City, Selena Busch and companion Tom Knott of Lewes, Del., Valerie (Wayne) Getz of Cetronia; grandchildren: Stevie (Angel), Donya, Jonathan, Briana, Morgan and Kyle; three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his step-son-in-law: James Gilroy.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to his viewings, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at the Connell Funeral Home Inc., 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. The viewing Thursday will be followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. The interment with full military honors will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Condolences may be offered online at Connellfuneral.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Freemansburg Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, 600 Chestnut St., Freemansburg, PA 18017.