Ernest H. Josar
Ernest “Ernie” H. Josar, 85, of Bethlehem, a social worker who spent his career ensuring society's most vulnerable received the mental health services and care they need, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022, after a lengthy illness. He died at home surrounded by his family and listening to classical music. He was the husband of Virginia M. (Macsek) Josar. They were married 58 years. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Pecsek) Josar. He was a graduate of Bethlehem High School, earned a B.A. in History from Moravian College and a Master's of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Ernest also earned additional credentials through the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York City. He served two years in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. He would entertain family members with slideshows of his travels and tales such as how, while on patrol, a U.S. missile outfitted with a nuclear warhead toppled but failed to explode. Mr. Josar worked for 40 years as a clinical social worker and in executive roles for Northampton County Children's Aid Society, St. Luke's HospitalFountain Hill, Correlative Therapy Education Center, the Lehigh Valley Guidance Clinic, Family and Counseling Services of the Lehigh Valley, and retired from Apogee Services.
In 1984 he was named “Social Worker of the Year'' by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He also worked as an adjunct professor and field work supervisor for Moravian University, Marywood University, and Cedar Crest College.
Ernest valued giving back to the community and demonstrated this as a member of numerous boards in the Lehigh Valley. He was most proud of his work with Allentown's Neighborhood Housing Services. As president, he helped the organization secure financing for low-income home-owners. In retirement Ernest, along with his wife, was a dedicated volunteer at the Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot, a mission founded by Wesley United Methodist Church of which he was a member and greeter. Ernest also truly enjoyed his work as a student mentor at Marvine Elementary School. Ernie had fun camping and traveling with his kids packed into the back of the family station wagon to visit historical sights of the mid-Atlantic states. In retirement, Ernie and Virginia traveled to family and friends in Germany, Greece, Australia, Slovenia, South Africa, and Chile. Ernie was proud of his Slovenian-Windish heritage and Bethlehem roots.
He was a first generation American and grew up in the Windish community. He and his wife knew each other their whole lives and met as members of St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1979 they purchased a house from the Old Allentown Preservation Association and restored it into a beautiful home and garden oasis for their family. The property was featured numerous times on the OAPA House Tour. A man of varied tastes and ravenous appetites, Ernest and his wife enjoyed socializing as part of several dinner groups. He will be deeply missed by their lively Gourmet Group, which explores exotic and themed menus; and the Share Group which has been meeting regularly and supporting each other through food and friendship since the mid 1970s. Even as his health declined, Ernie's appetite was legendary. During his last weeks, he asked for Yocco's hot dogs, MaryAnn Doughnuts, strawberry milkshakes, and cheesesteaks. He requested and consumed several root beer floats during his final days. Ernest was a fan of pigs, spicy food, classical music, old movies, and Cape May. Favorite pastimes included reading historical books, playing
500 Rummy with his family, and attending his grandchildren's athletic events. He and Virginia were season ticket holders of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra for decades and also went to the annual Moravian College Christmas Vespers as often as possible.
Survivors: In addition to his best friend and wife, Ernest is survived by a son, David Josar and his wife Eve of Washington, DC; a daughter, Laura B. Zaharakis and her husband Steve of Saucon Valley; and four beloved grandchildren, Dino, Zoe, Leonidas and Colette; cousins, Charles Forkas and Thomas Beer; and “Boots,” a large, fluffy cat.
Service: Funeral Service 11 am Monday, November 28, 2022 at St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church, 617 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA. Family and friends may call at the church starting at 10 am. Arrangements are being handled by the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Please record a memorial tribute at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Moravian University Scholarship Fund, Development Office, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.