David Samuel Halteman

David Samuel Halteman, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away at home after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. Born on October 8, 1946, in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Edward Warren and Grace (Ogle) Halteman. David graduated from Liberty High School in 1964, where he lettered in both football and basketball. He continued his education at Lycoming College, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1968. At Lycoming, he played football and became a proud member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity-brothers he cherished throughout his life.

In 1968, David began working at Bethlehem Steel Corporation; however, later that year he was drafted into the United States Army. He trained in Fire Direction Control at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and in June 1969 was deployed to Vietnam, joining the 4th Infantry Division, 6/29 Artillery, "A" Battery. David spent one year in the field supporting infantry maneuvers throughout the Central Highlands. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. David was a patriot, and proud to serve. Whenever someone thanked him for his service, his humble reply was always, "It was an honor."

Upon returning to Bethlehem in June of 1970, David resumed his career at Bethlehem Steel, where he served for 31 years in a variety of roles including Industrial Analyst, Industrial Engineer, Operations Supervisor for the Saucon Mills Division's Beam Yard, Product Applications Engineer for the Foundry Division, Senior Cost Analyst for the Accounting Department, and Senior Financial Analyst for the Coke Ovens Division until 1999.

While a Bethlehem Steel employee, he served on United Way campaign teams and was selected as a loaned executive to the United Way campaign in 1998. David later worked for the Fuller Company as Supervisor of Domestic Parts Sales, followed by 12 years with Foster Wheeler Corporation in Clinton, NJ as a Product Manager. And after a well-earned six-year retirement, he returned to service during the COVID-19 pandemic as a courier for St. Luke's Hospital.

David married the love of his life, Jane (Letowt) Halteman, on July 3, 1971. They shared 54 wonderful years together. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Rebecca Halteman Hower, wife of Todd Hower, and his beloved son, Adam David Halteman, who passed unexpectedly in 2021. David was the proud "Paw-Paw" to his grandchildren, Blake and Sadie Hower, who were his greatest joy. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren compete in all types of events. He did his best to never miss a game, a moment, or a chance to teach them how to fish. He is also survived by his brother, Edward "Ned" Halteman, and his wife, Geraldine (Koch) Halteman, and is uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews.

David lived a full and vibrant life. He loved his family and friends, fishing, hunting with his English Setter bird dogs, sunshine, beaches, and vacations-especially his more than 50-year tradition of trips to Maryland's Eastern Shore. He loved spending time at the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean City with his fraternity brothers and family. He was a lifelong sports fan, following Penn State football passionately and attending the Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl in 2009, and many "White Out" games. He also appreciated major events, taking his children to the Indianapolis 500 races, and attending the Preakness, and Belmont Stakes horse races. David was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan.

Many years were spent traveling the east coast, from Maine to Maryland and west to Ohio driving their Appaloosa horses to shows. He served as Vice President of the Indian Valley Appaloosa Club. David also was the past Treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Pointer and Setter Club. He loved training, field trialing, and breeding English Setters.

David enjoyed years of golf and camaraderie as a member of the Bethlehem Steel Club.

Grounded by unwavering faith, David was a longtime member and usher at Cathedral of the Nativity and later a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and was recently baptized. His gentle spirit and warm smile made friendships easy; even his infusion and chemotherapy nurses at Anderson shared emotional goodbyes as he transitioned to the hospital. To all who knew him, David was kind and appreciative. Always a gentleman, always our hero.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A calling hour will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery, Hecktown. Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org .