The 37th annual Sister Cities celebration Saturday was bittersweet.

Joseph Leitgeb Jr., a familiar face and figure at the event for many years was missing. Leitgeb died earlier this year.

The annual program honors the bond between the Borough of Northampton and Stegersbach, Austria. Leitgeb, who visited the Burgenland town of Stegersbach in the past, was the speaker at the 2011 Sister Cities program.

The crowd was somber at the Sister Cities plaza. The 65-year-old former councilman's death in February was unexpected. Leitgeb was known as a quiet gentleman whose penchant to help others had no bounds.

Mayor Thomas Reenock began the program with a moment of silence in remembrance of Leitgeb and Willard Keller, another active participant with Burgenland and Sister Cities celebrations.

State Rep. Julie Harhart, R-183, presented Leitgeb's family with a Resolution of Condolence citing Leitgeb's life and achievements. Present were Leitgeb's sister Bernadette (Leitgeb) Klucsarits; brother-in-law Daniel Klucsarits; niece Alicia Klucsarits; and nephew Daniel Klucsarits.

"He [Leitgeb] had a very strong commitment to his community and heritage," Harhart said.

"This is a tough time for me," Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said.

Zarayko, who had been a close friend of Leitgeb's for more than two decades, recalled some lighter moments when they packed up statues from the old Our Lady of Hungary Church and relocated them to Alabama and a well-known nun who hosted a television program. Zarayko said Leitgeb's humor took over and he asked if the statues needed a breather.

Zarayko also recalled Leitgeb's passion for Notre Dame football.

Council President John Yurish said Leitgeb took him under his wing when he was elected to council. The group placed a memorial wreath at the Stegersbach monument in Leitgeb's honor.

Reenock recalled the history of the Sister Cities relationship with Stegersbach, which began In 1974. Memorials were dedicated in 1975 and 1990, with a formal rededication occurring in 2002.

"Former borough Mayor Anthony Pany planted the seed for our partnership and my involvement leading to mayor of Northampton," Reenock said. "As your mayor, I also agree with Burgenland Governor Hans Nissel when he visited and said 'We must never forget, and honor all those for their help as we supported each other then and now.'"

Reenock also said it is important to carry on the Sister Cities tradition. He said it is his wish to preserve the culture of the borough and the traditions of Burgenland, where so many borough residents and families have their roots.

Father Francis Straka gave the invocation and closing prayer.

Coplay Saengerbund Chorus led by Joseph Weber, on accordion, played and sang several Burgenland songs.

A picnic with polka music followed at the municipal park.