Erwin F. “Frank” Goetz, 87, of Bethlehem, formerly of Ridge, Long Island, N.Y., died Aug. 15, 2024, at The Vero at Bethlehem.

He and his wife, Ellen (Lalonde) Goetz, were married Feb. 28, 1960, for 64 years.

Born Dec. 20, 1936, in College Point, Queens, N.Y., he was the son of the late Christian I. and Rose (Miller) Goetz.

He faithfully and honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy, earning the rank of lieutenant, during a peacetime era serving as a helicopter, Navy plane pilot and flight instructor.

He was a communications manager at Verizon, formerly Bell Atlantic, Nynex and New York Telephone Co. for 32 years before retiring in 1996.

He wrote two published books on telecommunications.

He was of the Catholic faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Ellen C. Reichling (Kenneth) of Orefield, Thomas A. Goetz (Karen) of East Meadow, Long Island, N.Y., and John S. Goetz (Allison) of Queens, N.Y.; grandchildren Elisabeth (Robert), Emily, Abigail, Andrew and Maria.

He was the brother of the late Christian Goetz Jr.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.