Burton "Buddy" R. Klinger, Jr., 79, of Salisbury Township died June 1, 2025 in St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill. Born on August 28, 1945, in Montgomery, Alabama, Buddy was the son of the late Burton and Geraldine (Young) Klinger. He was the beloved husband of Carol A. (Berger) Klinger, with whom he shared a life full of laughter, devotion, and unwavering partnership and a dedicated father to Lindsay and Courtney. He was also the cherished son-in-law of Mary Kathryn (Lippy) and the late Robert Berger of York, Pennsylvania.

Buddy enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 & proudly served, actively, until 1969 when he transferred to duty in the Naval Reserves until 1971. He was honored to have his picture, along with his father & brothers who served in the military, displayed on the "Hometown Heroes" Wall of Honor at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem.  Buddy dedicated over three decades of his life to Bethlehem Steel Company, retiring in 1995 after 31 years of hard and honest work. Retirement didn't slow him down—he continued contributing to his community through 20 more years at Auto Parts Warehouse, where he was known for his reliability, warm spirit, and strong work ethic.

A man of quiet faith, Buddy was a former member of Church of the Manger United Church of Christ until its closing and continued his spiritual journey with the congregation of St. Thomas United Church of Christ.

More than anything, Buddy will be remembered for the love he poured into his family. He found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life—casting a line on a still lake at sunrise, sitting quietly in the woods during hunting season, or sharing stories and smiles with his grandchildren. His presence was a steady compass, his wisdom a gift, and his laughter a comfort that filled every room he entered.

Buddy's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. He was, and always will be, a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world better than he found it.

Survivors:  Buddy will be loving missed by his wife, mother-in-law, and daughters;  Lindsay A. wife of Nathan Bleam of Emmaus, Courtney R. Klinger and companion David Smith of Souderton; sisters:  Barbara Weiss and husband John of Allentown and Patricia Klinger of Bethlehem; brothers: Gerald Klinger and wife Teri of Bethlehem, Dale Klinger and his wife Tammie of Bethlehem and Richard Klinger and wife Karen of Aberdeen, Maryland.  He had 3 grandchildren: Silas, True and Addison; his greatest blessings.

Services:  11:00 AM, Monday, June 9 in  St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 902 E. Macada Rd., Bethlehem, PA  18017.

Calling hours will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11 am on Monday.  Burial will be at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery 1851 Linden Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Thomas United Church of Christ, in memory of Burton R. Klinger.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at pearsonfh@aol.com.