Frederick J. Gerlach, 78, of Lehigh Township, died July 20, 2016, at Lehigh Valley Hospice-Inpatient Unit, Allentown. He was the husband of Theresa (Sodl) Gerlach for 41 years.

Born in Saucon Valley, he was the son of the late Edwin and Helen (Kochis) Gerlach.

He was a 1958 graduate of Liberty High School and excelled at football as a tight end.

He was an oxygraph burner for the former Beth Corporation, Bethlehem, for 10 years until he retired in 2000. Previously, he worked in the same capacity for the former Lauria Steel Supply Company, Bethlehem, for 30 years. He also owned and operated Fred’s Lot Cutting for 40 years.

He attended St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Whitehall.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Scott of East Meadow, N.Y., a daughter, Lisa M. of Northampton; a brother, William and his wife Margaret of Fogelsville; a sister, Marie and her husband Earl Shreer of Bethlehem.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Donald, John and Robert.

Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, L.V. Chapter, c/o the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton, 18067.

Arrangements were made by the Schisler Funeral Home Inc.