On a dreary April 26 morning, one of the brightest sons in Bethlehem’s recent history, Richard ‘Bucky’ Szulborski, was remembered through the dedication of a bench in his memory. The bench is located in a corner of Yosko Park in the Atlantic Street neighborhood that Szulborski grew up in and resided in for much of his life.

Sponsored by the South Bethlehem Historical Society and Housing Opportunity Movement nonprofits, on whose boards Szulborski served at the time of his death in June 2023, the bench is nestled in a corner of the neighborhood park.

Szulborski served 12 years on Bethlehem City Council and was appointed Northampton County Controller on two separate occasions when the position became vacant. He served on the Sun Inn board and often portrayed the innkeeper at the historic site.

He founded the one time Christmas City Fair, which marked the consolidation of three boroughs into the City of Bethlehem, and had a long time affiliation with the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization along with many other organizations.

“He was a doer,” said Housing Opportunity Movement president Jeff Zettlemoyer. “He was always giving to the city that he loved,” added Zettlemoyer.

“We wanted to recognize his service to Bethlehem and the many organizations he supported,” said Maureen Dressen, the South Bethlehem Historical Society’s president. “Bucky kept people involved,” said Esther Lee, “and I miss him.” They served together on the board of the historical society.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson remembered him being named ‘Young Person of the Year’ and Jim Schantz, representing State Sen. Lisa Boscola, called him, “a friend, a colleague and a trusted individual.”

Szulborski’s brother Tom was in attendance and recalled growing up in the adjoining neighborhood. “Thank you for this beautiful and enduring tribute. It is a true testament to my brother Bucky’s legacy and the positive impact he had on our lives,” said Szulborski.