Dr. Damir Franekic, 88, of Bethlehem, died Dec. 3, 2025 in his home. He was the husband of Etelka Franekic for 65 years. He was born in Zagreb, Croatia, to Mihajlo and Ana (Repinc) Franekic.

He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Zagreb in applied mathematics.

In 1969 he immigrated to the United States with his wife and son from the former Yugoslavia to attend Lehigh University, where he earned his PhD in applied mathematics. His career spanned being a professor of mathematics and computer science in the Pennsylvania State University system, Lafayette Collage and Lehigh University.

He worked in the private sector under contract to the United States Navy at the Naval Air Weapons Center at Warminster Naval Air Station and for Bell & Howell until his retirement.

He was an aviation and tennis lover who put his grandchildren above all.

He is survived by his son Damir Franekic Jr., daughter-in-law Anne and grandchildren Kira and Nikolas.

Donations may be made to The Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, P.O. Box 1367, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.