Vincent V. Suppan, 97, formerly of Whitehall, died Jan. 26, 2018, at Neighborhood Hospice, West Chester. He was the husband of the late Josephine E. (Setterberg) Suppan.

Born in Nazareth, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and Helen P. (Grech) Suppan.

He graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in music education and from Columbia University with a Master of Arts in speech and drama.

He was an U.S. Army veteran of World War II and of the Korean War. He enlisted in 1942 as a private first class in the 101st Airborne Division, then served as a forward air and ground observer, artillery officer and a battalion command liaison officer for the XII Corps, 5th Infantry Division, 10th Regiment, 46th Field Artillery Battalion. After his discharge in 1945 as First Lieutenant, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and earned the rank of Full Bird Colonel by his retirement in 1980.

He was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, American Campaign, Europe/Africa/Middle East with four Battle Stars, Victory Medal, Army Occupation of Germany, National Defense, Armed Forces Reserve with Hour Glass and an U.S. Army Reserve Meritorious Service Medal.

He taught English and math in the Whitehall-Coplay School District from 1947-50 and from 1953-55. He was a speech teacher for Bucks County for 17 years until he retired in 1981. He was an associate professor of speech pathology at West Chester University.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

A member of the Catasauqua Band since 1934, he was the conductor for 65 years. He was a former member of the Pioneer & Marine Band, Allentown, and he played with a German orchestra and dance band from 1936-61. He was a member of the Association of Concert Bands.

A semiprofessional magician, he was a member of the Allentown Society of Magicians Ring 32, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians and the Magicians Alliance of Eastern States.

He was a member of the Military Order of World Wars, the Knights of Columbus of Allentown and was a lifetime member of Fullerton American Legion Post 367.

He is survived by four first cousins, David Roletter of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Joanne Wylie and Susan Coates of Richmond, Va., and Kathy Roletter of Harrisonburg, Va.; great-nieces; great-nephews; and a godchild, Rosalie Morgan of Barto.

There will be a viewing 10-11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m., both Feb. 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 122 W. Union St., Catasauqua.

Contributions may be made to the church, the Catasauqua Band or to the Neighborhood Hospice of West Chester, c/o the funeral home, 234 Walnut St., Catasauqua, 18032.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc.