Kenneth Steven Peoples

1963 - 2023

Kenneth Steven Peoples, 60, of Center Valley PA, died February 26 at home of cholangiocarcinoma. He was the husband of Catherine Foltz Peoples for over 34 years. Born in January 1963 in DuBois PA, he was the youngest of four children of Florence (DeRalph) Peoples of Hawley PA and the late Wilmer Peoples.

His early elementary education took place in a one room schoolhouse near Lakeville and he graduated in 1980 from Wallenpaupak Area High School. A 1984 graduate of Lehigh University, he was a licensed professional engineer in 39 states. He began his career at The Pidcock Company in Allentown, leaving as Chief of the Structural Division after ten years. After a stint with Pany and Lentz Engineering Company, he and a partner bought Lehigh Valley Technical Associates, Inc. in Northampton PA, in 2003. The longtime President and co-owner of LVTA, he was presently serving as President Emeritus. He was very proud of the company's employees and culture, as well as its involvement in projects all over the country including the new stairs in the Statue of Liberty, the Science Pyramid at Denver Botanical Gardens, the Gates Science Center at Cornell University, and the Levitt Pavilion and Hoover Mason Trestle both in Bethlehem.

He was a Cub Scout leader and participated in many camping trips with both the Cub and Boy Scouts while his sons were involved. He was also a past president of, and active for many years in, the Spring Valley Sportsmen's Club, and was a member of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church. His hobbies included bicycle riding, hiking, practicing yoga, bird watching and traveling. Together, he and Cathy visited 32 states and 12 countries on three continents, and he had a fondness for Italy given his maternal heritage. He loved listening to all kinds of music and attended every single Musikfest until his illness. He was a capable handyman, and enjoyed puttering around "this old house". He was most passionate about fishing, particularly angling for walleye and panfish from his kayak, and he was always up for any fresh water, salt water or ice fishing outing.

While he had a penchant for perfection in his professional work, his laid back demeanor out of the office endeared him to many. "Daddio" to his beloved children, he could still make his wife laugh after nearly 4 decades together. During the four years since his cancer diagnosis, he liked to have a new joke ready for every appointment with many of his medical providers.

Survived by wife, mother, daughter Tessa Peoples Kinsey, wife of Caleb, of Philadelphia, twin sons Nicholas Peoples and Tomias Peoples, both of Alburtis, Tomias' finance Bethany Inniss of Coopersburg, his father and mother-in-law Richard and Patricia Foltz of Emmaus, as well as four sisters-in-law. Also four nephews, two nieces, nine great-nephews and great-nieces and "two cats in the yard". Predeceased by his father, brothers Dennis and David, sister Cynthia Murtaugh May, and a niece.

Contributions are requested for either The Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus PA for land acquisition or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Herriman UT.

Burial services will be private, but all are invited to attend calling hours on FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm and SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023 from 10 – 11 am, with a memorial service on SATURDAY MARCH 11 at 11 am, all at Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown PA 18106. www.stephensfuneral.com.