Richard O. Klotz June 15, 1943 - February 18, 2026

Richard O. Klotz, 82, of Orefield, passed peacefully on February 18, 2026, at home into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior surrounded by family. He was born in Syracuse, NY, to the late Ray and Veronica Klotz on June 15, 1943. He was the loving husband of Janice L. (Fronheiser) Klotz for 60 years and was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a member of Bethany Wesleyan Church, Cherryville.

Richard began his career in the construction and insurance industries but was most proud of his 30 years of government service. He served as South Whitehall Township and Lehigh County commissioners and served on the board of the Lehigh County Authority. He worked 25 years in Lehigh County government and retired as Director of Administration after serving as Director of Corrections. He was then interim manager of Lower Macungie Township and of the borough of Bath. He served on the boards of St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown Rescue Mission, Lehigh Valley Zoo, various churches, and almost 50 years on the boards of American Family Services and its foundation.

Richard is survived by his wife, Janice, daughters, Melissa Young and husband, Earl, Tara Bender and husband, Jeffery, and Heather Armitage, brothers, Donald Beach and Reed Klotz, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He is predeceased by son, Todd Klotz, and brothers, David Klotz and Raymond Beach.

Services: 11 AM Tuesday, February 24th, in Bethany Wesleyan Church, 675 Blue Mountain Dr., Cherryville. Call 10 AM until service time in church as well as 5 – 7 PM Monday, February 23rd, at Heintzelman – Stephens Funeral Home, P. C., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown. Interment will be in Jordan Lutheran Church Cemetery, Orefield.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethany Wesleyan Church Benevolence Fund.