John Klemmer, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2018. A lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, John attended Lafayette College. He was drafted into the US Army, where he served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

His career outside the Army began as a draftsman at Bethlehem Steel. He eventually opened his own business and worked in sales for the majority of his career. He owned and operated a successful pump distribution business, PSI Pump and Compressor, for several decades. He enjoyed his work and his customers, and was still in business at the time of his death.

Outside of his work, John served as the president of the Hurricane House HOA in Sanibel, Florida, for over 20 years, where he vacationed with family and friends. He was an enthusiastic fisherman, an avid shell collector, a dedicated bird watcher, and a charming vacationer when he was in Sanibel.

In collaboration with Ron Sherry, the best man at his wedding, he helped to form the Liberty High School Alumni Band. He played the trombone throughout his life and enjoyed participating in the Alumni Band as well as the Easton Municipal Band and a dance band prior to his initial illness in 2016. He was also a lifelong member of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where he served on various committees and as a youth group leader.

Survivors: He is survived by his son, John Klemmer, Jr. (Susan) Fairfax, Virginia; his sister Jackie Bowman (Don) Rochester, NY; grandchildren Casey, Anna and Patrick; nephew Paul and niece Carol, as well as extensive friends and colleagues.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Irene, in 2014; his daughter Barbara Klemmer Nelson in 2004; and his parents Roy and Celeste (Pirazzi) Klemmer.

Services: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23 in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem. Family and friends may call Saturday 1:30-3:30 p.m. www.pearsonfh.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Luke's School of Nursing https://5639.thankyou4caring.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=375 or to 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015 in recognition of the excellent care he received from St. Luke's Hospital system during his last years and in memory of his late wife, Irene, a St. Luke's Nursing School graduate and career nurse.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

If you will be attending the service for John and need local accommodations, arrangements have been made at the Courtyard Marriott on Emerick Blvd.  Please specify the John Klemmer Celebration of Life when you call and you will receive the discounted charge of $114.  You may call Peggy Godfrey at 610-625-9515.

The family will be hosting a reception open to all at Stefano's, Linden Street, Bethlehem, immediately following the service at 3:30 p.m.