Funeral services set for Palmerton basketball legend Mlkvy
Dr. Robert D. Mlkvy Sr., DMD, 77, of Palmerton, died Friday, July 22, , at St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network in Bethlehem.
Born Feb. 5, 1939 in Palmerton, , he was the son of the late John Mlkvy and the late Margaret (Gerhardt) Mlkvy. He was the husband of Judy E. (King) Mlkvy, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage last Sept. 4, 2015.
Robert was a 1957 graduate of Palmerton High School who furthered his education by attending the University of Pennsylvania and earning a bachelor degree in 1961.
He continued at the University of Pennsylvania Dental School Program earning his DMD in dentistry in 1965. During his college years he played and excelled at basketball which earned him an opportunity to tour with the Harlem Globe Trotters through Europe and South America. He then served his country as a Captain in the US Army Dental Corp during Vietnam from 1966-1969. Returning to Palmerton after the war, he opened Mlkvy's Dentistry in 1970 and continued to practice for the past 46 years.
He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Palmerton, and a member of the Palmerton United Veterans Organization. He was also a known commentator for Blue Ridge Communications, as well as a motivational speaker for the region for over 30 years, known for his worn-out original High School Chuck Taylor's and Dr. Bob's Board.
He coached basketball for a few years at the middle school and freshman high school levels. Mlkvy has been inducted into several Basketball Hall of Fames including, Palmerton High School, Carbon County, Lehigh Valley Basketball, Lehigh Valley Sports, Big Five, and The Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.
Surviving along with his wife Judy are sons, Robert D. Mlkvy, Jr. and wife Judith-Ann of Berlin, NJ and Richard J. Mlkvy of Key West, FL. Daughters, Kerri-Lyn wife of Glenn Wheeler of Bethlehem, and Amy wife of Robert Bollinger of Fogelsville, PA. Brother, William Mlkvy of Newtown. 11 grandchildren; Alexandria, Mackenzie, Samantha, and Danielle Mlkvy, Bryn, Tristan, Kyleigh, and Tanner Wheeler, Karissa, Deven, and Mason Bollinger.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday at St. John's Episcopal Church, 365 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, with the Rev. Fr. Abraham J. Valiath officiating.
Interment will follow with military honors in Towamensing Cemetery, Palmerton. The Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071 is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family