The Rev. Jerry Mraz, 91, of Northampton, died April 24, 2024. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth M. (Marecek) Mraz.

Born in Nemecka Lupca, Czechoslovakia, he was the son of the late Adam Julius and Ludmila (Sokol) Mraz.

He emigrated with his parents in 1940 from Nemecka Lupca to New York City. He graduated from Seward Park High School and Wagner College, both in New York, and Hamma Divinity School, Springfield, Ohio.

He became an ordained minister of the Slovak Synod LCA, in May 1960.

He honored his first ministerial call at Holy Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, before being called to Firestone Park Lutheran Church Akron, Ohio. His last call was to Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, Northampton, where he served 1972-2010, and has been pastor emeritus. He served as chaplain for the Northampton Police Department and the Northampton Emergency Corps.

He was a member of Pittsburgh Rotary Club International, Akron Kiwanis Club, Northampton Exchange Club and past 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, as secretary of Slovak Zion Synod ELCA 1992-1995 and a member of the International Relations Committee of the Slovak Zion Synod 1992-1995.

He 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 was honored with the Lehigh Township Lions Club Service Award in 1996.

He is survived by three daughters, Cathy Ann and spouse John Kimmel of Center Valley, Karen E. and spouse Timothy Lockard of Laurys Station and Susan E. Edelman and life partner Lee Smith of Macungie; a son, John A. and life partner Mary Louise Drosdak of Allentown; six grandchildren, Allison Lockard, Kayla Karan with Brett, Matthew Edelman with Jessica, Douglas Lockard with Aimee, Kelly Holley with Doug and Karly; and three great-grandsons, Grayson and Kayden Duarte and Brayden Holley.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Ivan and Milan; a granddaughter, Meagan Duarte; and a great-grandson, Garrett Edelman.

Family will receive visitors from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, 18067. There will be an additional calling time starting 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service 11 a.m., May 3 at Hope Lutheran Church, 4131 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville.

Contributions may be made to Hope Lutheran Church’s memorial fund, c/o the funeral home.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home.