Robert John Lesko

Robert J. Lesko, 75, passed away in Reading Hospital & Medical Center on May 5, 2013.

He was born on December 13, 1937 in Morea Colliery,a suburb of Mahanoy City, PA. He was a son of the late Mary (Stesko) and John Lesko. He was the beloved husband of Anne (Galvin) Lesko, celebrating 52 years of marriage.

Robert was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, the Oley Valley School District, and Oley Valley Community.

He graduated from Mahanoy Township High School in 1955. He attended Colorado A&M University. He earned a BS in education from Bloomsburg University, Master's Degree from Kutztown University and Superintendent's Letter from Temple University.

Robert had a 36-year career with the Oley Valley School District. He was a teacher from 1959-1969, a Middle School Principal from 1969-1974, Assistant Superintendent from 1974-1984 and Superintendent from 1984-1995.

After retirement, Robert substituted at Berks County Intermediate Unit. He was Acting Superintendent at Daniel Boone School District and served the Oley Valley School District whenever called on.

He was a member of Pennsylvania Assoc. of School Retirees Boyertown/Oley Valley Retired Teachers, serving as President and Vice President. He served as President of the Oley Valley Heritage Assoc. He enjoyed serving the Oley Valley Fair as Vice President and being a member for many years. He served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Welfare as a member of the Hamburg Center Board of Trustees. He was actively involved with the Oley Valley School District Alumni Honor Roll. He proudly received the Oley Valley School District Alumni Hall of Fame Award in October 2012.

He was a devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels Parish.

Over the years, Robert was a supporter of Boy Scouting and many other youth activities.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Robert J., husband of Lillian (Ponce) Lesko, Fleetwood, and Marcey, wife of Karl Harman, Mt. Penn.

Other survivors include his grandchildren: Matthew Lesko, Astoria, NY, Daniel Lesko, a student at Ithaca College, NY, Kaley and Grace Harman, at home.

Additional survivors include his brother, John Lesko and sister-in-law Kathy Lesko, West Chester, PA, brother-in-law, Martin Galvin and sister-in-law, Karen, wife of Patrick John, all of Mahanoy City, PA.

Bob will be sadly missed by his niece, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels Church 3121 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605. A visitation will be held in the Church from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bob to the Oley Valley Education Foundation, 17 Jefferson St., Oley, PA 19547. Online condolences may be recorded at www.blankenbillerfh.com