Alton Park, Allentown: Billy Lentz, a Salisbury High graduate basketball player, was a beloved figure who passed away on February 9, 2025, at 71.
His family grieves his loss in private. He was renowned for his competitive spirit on the basketball court and later in triathlons.
Highlights
- Billy Lentz’s untimely passing at 71 on February 9 shocked the whole Salisbury High School community.
- Previously, he fought against Parkinson’s disease with unwavering courage and resilience.
- He married Beth for 46 years and had two children: son Shawn and daughter Erin.
Billy showcased his remarkable skills on the Salisbury High School and Edinboro University basketball court. His contributions to his school and community through basketball left a lasting impact.
As a Salisbury High School senior, he averaged 23 points per game and helped his team win a District 11 Class B championship.
Moreover, he was selected to the Lehigh-Northampton League first-team all-league and Little All-State second-team. He finished his senior season with 585 points.
In addition to basketball, Billy was a top pitcher for Frank Yelinko’s baseball team. As Salisbury’s top senior student-athlete, he received Falcon Awards alongside George Spadt, Christina (Thomas) Mondschein, and Earl Scherer.
After playing for Fork Union Military Academy and earning first-team accolades in the Virginia Military School League, he had a successful career at Edinboro State.
Billy Lentz was the most valuable player in my 8 years at Salisbury.
Falcons coach Bill Paulik
Billy Lentz’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Born in the Alton Park section of Allentown, Billy Lentz made a name for himself as a standout basketball player, earning the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans.
He was a beloved member of the Salisbury High community who left a legacy of love, dedication, and passion for basketball.
Billy was passionate about competition and carried over the same zest in his fight against Parkinson’s disease. According to his family members, he fought the illness with unwavering courage and resilience.
He had a never-giving attitude and competed in triathlons and Ironman competitions. He refused to stop training and competing.
Despite having three surgeries on his left knee, which left him without cartilage or an anterior cruciate ligament following his last operation, he participated in nine Ironman Triathlons in Hawaii.
For me, it’s the ultimate test of fitness and it’s a feeling of accomplishment. To cross the finish line after an Ironman race parallels hitting a home run or hitting a winning shot in basketball. It’s really an emotional feeling because you train so hard and you set goals eight and nine months ahead of time.
BIlly Lentz
Unfortunately, Billy passed away on February 9, leaving his wife and children.
His son, Shawn, a former Allentown Central Catholic basketball player, predeceased him in death. Shawn passed away at 40 in 2021.
His wife of 46 years, Beth, daughter Erin, and son-in-law Brendan, close friends, and family survive him. Likewise, his family became marathoners and cyclists in his honor and raced to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.
Nonetheless, he was a beloved figure in the community, and many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
Billy was a great friend, a great basketball player, a great father and husband, but most of all, a great man. If it wasn’t for him and Pat Sewards I would not know what a basketball was.
Glen Klein
Billy was a kind and generous soul who always showed up when it mattered most. His work ethic and team spirit inspired those around him to strive for excellence.
Nonetheless, his legacy lives on in the races; the lessons passed down and the unbreakable bonds of the family he cherished made his life complete.
His celebration of life for family and close friends will be held on Friday at the Grand Haven Golf Club in Palm Coast, Florida. Rest In Peace, Billy Lentz.
Additional Information
- Billy Lentz’s talent on the court was matched only by his kindness and generosity.
- Triathlons represent a 6.2-mile run, a 24.8-mile bike ride, and a 1-mile swim, whereas Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
