Bernard H. Benko Sr., 72, of Bethlehem, died Sept. 23, 2017 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Liska) Benko. He was the husband of Robin C. (Ryan) Benko for 43 years.

He was a 1962 graduate of Notre Dame HS. He attended Lehigh Community College and the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

He was a police officer for the Bethlehem Police Department for 35 years, as a sergeant for 20 years and a motorcycle patrolman for seven years.

He was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church of Bethlehem for over 40 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Bernard H. Jr. and his wife Nora of Ambler, Jackie and her husband Jerry Tumolo of Kintersville and Kevin and Melanie Meyer; four grandchildren, Alex, Mia, Autumn and Melanie Marie; a sister, Lanette and her husband Barry Crownover of Nazareth; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Blaine Benko; and a sister, Letitia Davis.

Contributions may be made to Animals in Distress, 5075 Limeport Pike, P.O. Box 609, Coopersburg, PA 18036.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.