John W. Yerk Sr., 90, of Bethlehem, died March 22, 2020, at his home. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late John and Martine (Gerhab) Yerk. He was the husband of the late Anna M. (Kolleogy) Yerk.

He was hired as a police officer in 1959 for the City of Bethlehem. He was the police commissioner when he retired in 1997.

He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

He was a member of the FOP Star Lodge #20. He was on the board of directors of the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club.

He is survived by a son, John W. Jr. and his wife Wendy; three grandchildren, Gregory Yerk and wife Sarah, Jamie Carfang and husband Michael and Ryan Kery and wife Natasha; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Rodney Yerk.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra Kery; and a sister, Ramona Mital.

Contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Boys & Girls Club, 1430 Fritz Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

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