Bruce A. Nalesnik

Funeral Director

Bruce A. Nalesnik is the owner-operator of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral since its founding in 1990.  Born and raised in Nesquehoning, he is a son of the late Steve and Lillian (Vannicola) Nalesnik.  Licensed as a Funeral Director since 1984, he first attended the Tidewater College of Virginia, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Education.  He then attended Northampton County College, graduating with honors from the Mortuary Science program with a degree in Funeral Service, and then attained his State Licensure in 1984.   He then worked as associate Funeral Director at the former Joseph E. Sniscak Funeral Home in Nesquehoning and also at Funeral Homes in Northampton and Philaldelphia PA, until opening his own establishment.  

A proud two-time Navy veteran, he first served in the Navy Medical Corps, initially as a Hospital Corpsman, gaining certification as an EMT. He then pursued advanced schooling, becoming a Psychiatric Specialist. He was a member of the elite Navy "SPRINT" team, which conducted rapid psychiatric intervention for military disasters. For his efforts, upon honorable discharge, he received letters of commendation from the Navy and Coast Guard, and was nominated for the "Sailor of the Quarter" award.

Following the events of 9/11, he rejoined the U.S. Naval Reserves in the war on terrorism, becoming an Intelligence Specialist, attached to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and specialized in Human Intelligence (HUMINT), serving under Reserve Intelligence Area (RIA) 16 out of Willow Grove, PA and Ft Dix, NJ.

An active presence is his community, he is a member of the Nesquehoning Lions Club, where he was a past president, treasurer and zone chairman. He is also a 25 year member of the Nesquehoning American Legion and is a member of Nesquehoning Borough Council and Planning Commission. 

In 1998, he received the Business Man of the Year for the Nesquehoning V.F.W. Post for his outstanding service to the community.

In 2007 he had the distinction afforded him by Northampton Community College as one of their Top Forty Alumni. NCC set their diamond criteria for the accolade based on leadership in their field, establishing a high profile, making an impact in their field, being successful (not in monetary terms) and in some way giving back to their community. NCC stated “It takes a fine mix to make a community and to make it work well takes the best. For forty years, Northampton's best have helped make their community work"

He was appointed by the Carbon County Board of Commissioners to serve on the board of directors of the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission, and served as treasurer, vice-chairman and two terms as chairman.  Bruce was also the elected Carbon County Coroner, serving from 1996-2016. He continues to serve as a Deputy Coroner for Carbon County.

He is a former charter member and chairman of the Carbon County Child Death Review Team, overseen by the PA Dept. of Health and whose mission is to investigate the circumstances of the death of any carbon resident aged 18 years and under to determine if the death was preventable in any way.

He is a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Nesquehoning, where he serves as a Trustee of the Church. He is married to Koreen (Fritzinger) Nalesnik, formerly of Slatington, who is an English teacher in the Tamaqua Area School District.  

Bruce prides himself on providing personal and compassionate care to the families who entrust him with their confidence.  “Being able to help families through one of the most difficult times of their lives makes the sacrifices and hard work of being a Funeral Director worthwhile”