Rev. Jerry Mraz

Rev. Jerry Mraz , 91 of Northampton, PA, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Born April 16, 1933 in Nemecka Lupca, Czechoslovakia, he was the son of the late Adam Julius Mraz and the late Ludmila (Sokol) Mraz. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth M. (Marecek) Mraz who passed away in February 2016.

Rev. Jerry Mraz emigrated with his parents in 1940 from Nemecka Lupca, Czechoslovakia to New York City. He was educated and graduated from Seward Park H.S., NY. He went on to Wagner College, NY and Hamma Divinity School, Springfield, OH. He became an ordained Minister of the Slovak Synod, L.C.A. in May 1960. He honored his first Ministerial call at Holy Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA from 1960-1965, he was then called to Firestone Park Lutheran Church, Akron, OH from 1965-1972. His last calling was to Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, Northampton, PA where he served from 1972-2010, and has been pastor Emeritus since. Rev. Mraz was a member of the Pittsburgh Rotary club International, Akron Kiwanis club, Northampton Exchange Club and past President 1987. President and Treasurer of the Northampton Ecumenical Clergy. He served on the Board of Directors of, American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees/Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the Slovak Zion Synod - ELCA 1992-1995, member of the International Relations Committee of the Slovak Zion Synod 1992-1995. Served as Chaplain for the Northampton Police Department and the Northampton Emergency Corps. Rev. Mraz was recognized with the Northampton Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award in 1988. He was inducted into the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor in 1997, and he was honored with the Lehigh Township Lions Club Service Award in 1996.

Surviving are daughters, Cathy Ann wife of John Kimmel of Center Valley, PA, Karen E. wife of Timothy Lockard of Laurys Station, PA,  and Susan E. Edelman and life partner Lee Smith of Macungie, PA, son, John A. Mraz and life partner Mary Louise Drosdak  of Allentown, PA. 6 grandchildren; Allison Lockard, Kayla Karan(Brett), Matthew Edelman(Jessica), Douglas Lockard(Aimee), Kelly Holley(Doug), Karly Mraz, 3 great grandsons; Grayson and Kayden Duarte, and Brayden Holley. He was predeceased by brothers, Ivan and Milan Mraz, and granddaughter, Meagan (Edelman) Duarte in 2016, and great grandson Garrett Edelman in 2016.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 3, 2024 at Hope Lutheran Church-Cherryville, 4131 Lehigh Drive Cherryville, PA 18035. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, PA 18067. Family and friends may also call on Friday May 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of service in the church. Interment will follow in Allen Union Cemetery Association, Northampton, PA.

Contributions : May be made to Hope Lutheran Church Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com