John W. Elek December 30, 1929 - December 21, 2025

John W. Elek, 95, of Macungie, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, in his home. He was the husband of the late H. Yolanda (Blazek) Elek. Born in Uniontown on December 30, 1929, John was the son of the late John and Mary (Dolak) Elek.

After graduating high school, John joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he qualified to apply for the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon acceptance, he chose not to attend, as he wanted to marry the love of his life and future mother of his children, Yolanda Blazek. After marriage they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Case Institute of Technology, now known as Case Western. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. They then moved to the Lehigh Valley where he was awarded a master’s degree in engineering from Lehigh University and accepted a position at Bell Laboratories.

He worked at Bell Labs for 30 years before retiring in 1986. At retirement, John was the supervisor of the Hybrid Micro Electronics Design Group. While at Bell Labs, he patented an automatic focusing system for a laser beam to etch the circuit patterns on a silicon wafer which allowed for mass production of integrated circuits. This became known as a step and repeat camera and was one of the world’s first machines to manufacture integrated circuits. He was sent to Japan to function as a liaison between Bell Labs and numerous Japanese electronics companies. He also worked on Telstar 1, which was the world’s first telecommunications satellite.

Among all his career accomplishments, his favorite hobby turned into a lifelong love. As an avid golfer, John won numerous club championships at Shepherd Hills Golf Course and St. Lucie West Club in Florida, often both in the same year! John’s life was well played, and he will always be walking the course in our hearts!

John is survived by his son Douglas M. Elek of Macungie; Daughter-in-law: Deborah A. Elek and Grandchildren: Emily Elek and Elizabeth Elek all of Wescosville; Brothers: Frank Elek and his wife, Susan of Dunbar; Ronald Elek of Egypt; Sister: Susan Ozenich of Zelienople. He was preceded in death by his wife Yolanda, his son David J. Elek, and 7 siblings.

Service: A private service will be held at the convenience of his family. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. The Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmanstephens.com