Duane A. Dellecker of Lehighton was recently installed as Potentate for 2023 of the Rajah Shriners during a ceremony at local headquarters in Blandon.

The local fraternal organization has 2,000 members.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Rajah Shriners having received their charter in 1893.

Dellecker is the 95th member of Rajah Shrine to serve as Potentate of this local fraternal organization.

Dellecker was made a Mason in 1995 at Lehighton Lodge #621, served as Worshipful Master in 2000 during the 100th anniversary of the Lodge and again as Master in 2012.

He holds dual membership in Slatington Lodge #440, serving as Worshipful Master in 2018, helping to shape the 150th anniversary in 2019. He is also a member of the Valley of Allentown, Ancient Accepted Scottish rite since 2000 and received the PA Grand Master’s, Master Pillar Award in 2019.

Dellecker has been a member of Rajah Shrine since 2000 and is active in the Lehigh Shrine Club, Past Masters Club, Hillbillies, Tin Lizzie’s and is a founding member, former secretary and past president of the Carbon County Shrine Club. He is also a member of Pocono Forest #124 Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Slatington Royal Arch Chapter #292, serving as Most Excellent High Priest in 2019 and the Lehigh Valley High Twelve Club.

Dellecker enjoys the many events filled with fun and fellowship perpetuating the history and traditions of Shriners International and Shriners Children’s Hospitals.

As a member of the Rajah Shrine board of directors, Dellecker serves on several committees and is a representative to the International Imperial Shrine convention and the Middle Atlantic Shrine Association.

Dellecker’s community service includes the Ashfield Haunted Hayride, Canal Fest, Paddle Fest, the Carbon County Fair and the Franklin Festival of Lights.

A Carbon County native, Dellecker retired as the director of the Carbon County Department of Solid Waste and Farmland Preservation, having served in various capacities over a 20-year career.

Dellecker attended the Pennsylvania Business Institute, majoring in business administration. He is a master consultant with certifications in the specialized fields of Zoning, Planning & Building Codes Administration, Health Officer, Code Official & Solid Waste. He currently works as a Commercial Building Code Administrator and consultant.

He married Barbara (Love) Dellecker in 1985. They have two daughters, Ami and Ashley and a granddaughter, Cali.

Other elected board of director officers include Donald G. Heimbecker, Allentown, Chief Rabban; Ronald L. Szapacs, Slatington, Assistant Rabban; John K. Grumbein, Allentown, High Priest & Prophet; and Gregory T. Miller, Slatington, Oriental Guide. Re-elected were Ronald F. Rapp, Past Potentate, Blandon, Treasurer; and Les A. Werley, Hamburg, Recorder.