Blake Hottle Fenicle

Blake Hottle Fenicle, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away on September 18, 2026, at Vero of Bethlehem, three weeks to the day after the passing of his beloved wife, Rosemarie Theresa (Fischl) Fenicle. Together, Blake and Rosie created a beautiful life filled with love, family, lots of friends, adventure, and countless memories throughout their remarkable 73 years of marriage. 

Blake was born in Bethlehem on December 1, 1933, of the late Harold Fenicle, Sr. and Lilly Mae (Campbell) Fenicle. He grew up in Bethlehem as the second youngest of a family of six boys. 

A 1951 graduate of Liberty High School, Blake was proud of LHS sports, and the Band. Following both for many years before and after his sons football career. He was an active parent and member of the Liberty High School Booster Club. He further followed Steven’s football career at Westley Junior College and Lock Haven State University. Always making the drive, supporting and cheering from the stands. He was a proud father. 

Blake enjoyed a long career with Bethlehem Steel, where he worked for more than 30 years as a sales representative in the Industrial Fasteners Department. His attention to detail and strong work ethic served him well throughout his career. This too Rose and Blake shared, both beginning employment together at Bethlehem Steel after they were married. 

His faith was also an important part of his life. Blake was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, where he participated in church activities and gatherings and routinely served as an usher. 

Blake was proud of his German heritage, and he and Rosie shared a great love of music and dancing —particularly German polkas. It wasn't unusual to find the two of them dancing a polka or the Chicken Dance under the Musikfest tents or enjoying themselves at the Saengerbund in Coplay. He also was a collector of German beer steins and memorabilia. 

Blake and Rosie also shared a love of travel. Early retirement at age 50 gave them the opportunity to spend decades exploring together, with memorable trips to Austria, Switzerland, Hawaii, Canada, Germany, the Midwest, and many other destinations throughout the United States. Their travels provided them with countless stories, pictures and memories. After each trip our family would travel too through his detailed slide presentation of the their many trips. 

Sports were another lifelong passion for Blake. He played baseball and softball as a young man and later shared his knowledge and love of baseball as a coach, especially with his son, Steven. Blake remained an avid Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan, and some wonderful memories were made traveling to see his favorite teams and players in action. 

Above all, Blake loved his family and friends. He and Rosie were generous hosts who treasured a full house, whether it was for a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or simply time spent together. Blake took particular pride in his grandchildren and found great joy in attending their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. 

Blake's life was one defined by devotion—to Rosie, to his family, to his work, his faith, and the things he loved. After 73 years of marriage, it is difficult to tell Blake's story without telling Rosie's, because for most of their lives their stories were one and the same. Their love, the family they built, the places they traveled, the dances they shared, and the memories they created together will remain an enduring part of their family's story for generations to come. 

Blake will be lovingly remembered by his son, Steven K. Fenicle and his wife, Jacqueline D., of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Adam C. Fenicle and his wife, Cristina, and Aubrie L. Sobieski and her husband, Michael; great-grandchildren, Melina L. Fenicle, Cameron J. Sobieski, and Ava C. Fenicle; step-great-grandchildren, Addie and Clarie Sobieski; as well as the family's Boxer, Jake. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemarie Theresa (Fischl) Fenicle, and brothers, Gordon, Ralph, Dean, Harold Jr., and Glenn and their spouses. 

Family and friends are invited to Blake's visitation from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A funeral service will follow at 12:45 p.m. Burial will conclude services at Bethlehem Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, 

Memorial contributions may be made payable to Northwest Youth Athletic Association care of Connell Funeral Home, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, which will be directed towards the Hal Fenicle Memorial Park at Northwest Little League, as the league has been important to the family over the years. 

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.