David E. "Dave" Motes

David E. "Dave" Motes obituary, Bethlehem, PA

David E. "Dave" Motes

Upcoming Events

Dec

6

Service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home & On-site Crematory

500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Send Flowers

Dec

6

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home & On-site Crematory

500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Send Flowers

David Motes Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home - Bethlehem on Nov. 14, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

David E. "Dave" Motes, a cherished soul known for his kind heart and unwavering devotion to his loved ones,
passed away at his home on November 12, 2025, at the age of 63.
Born on February 5, 1962, in Germany, Dave was the beloved son of the late Ernest Eugene and Georgia Rae (Havens) Motes. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn D. Wiley-Motes, and his nephew, Christopher E. Motes.
At the center of Dave's world was his loving husband, David Violett. Together for over 25 years, the two built a life rooted in mutual respect, joy, and their shared passion in helping others. Their unbreakable bond will stand the test of time.
Dave's passion for communication and connection guided his academic and professional journey. After a long first career in retail, he earned an associate's degree in Sign Language and Interpretation and spent most of his second career at Harris Communications working with deaf and hard-of-hearing clients. For Dave, his work was more than a job and his personal integrity and strong work ethic led him to become an invaluable employee and mentor to others.
Outside of his career, Dave had a wide range of interests. He was a voracious reader, and he and David were avid travelers, always seeking out new adventures and experiences. Dave was an accomplished league bowler with two 300 games to his credit, played tennis and softball, and enjoyed spirited games of volleyball. Many of the people he met in his pursuits became lifelong friends. At home, Dave loved playing any card game, a favorite pastime that filled his days with laughter and camaraderie.
Beyond his hobbies, Dave's gentle nature and generosity defined him. He had a deep affection for animals and an instinctive desire to help others. Whether offering a comforting word, a helping hand, or simply his presence, Dave made those around him feel cared for and valued.
Dave lived a life marked by kindness, service, and an enduring love for family and friends. Though he is no longer with us, his warmth and spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will be forever treasured not only by David, but by the Violett family, Dave's cousins, uncle and aunt, and his many friends.
Services: A Memorial Service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 where the family will receive relatives and friends from 1 P.M. until time of the service. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Association of the Deaf, https://www.nad.org/make-a-donation/.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David E. "Dave", please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support David's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor David Motes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Dec

6

Service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home & On-site Crematory

500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Send Flowers

Dec

6

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home & On-site Crematory

500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Send Flowers