John L. Bestel

1942 - 2021

BETHLEHEM John L. (Jean Louis) Bestel, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 with his family by his side. He was the beloved companion of Kristina Gomez sharing over 12 years together. Born on November 14, 1942, in La Rochelle, France, he was a son of the late Henri and Simone (Kerenflech) Bestel. John earned his PhD in Physical Metallurgy from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. He went on to work for AT&T for over 35 years, beginning in Research and Development and later transitioning to a Product Marketing Manager in their Semiconductor Group. John volunteered for Wildlands Conservancy, Coalition for Appropriate Transportation, and Habitat for Humanity. He found great joy in outdoor adventure activities especially skiing, sailing, kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, and motorcycle riding. He was a talented cook, musician, craftsman, handyman extraordinaire, crossword and sudoku enthusiast, and a first-rate mixologist. Above all he cherished his time spent with his family. Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his companion, Kristina, daughters, Tania Bestel Hall and husband Jon of Houston, TX, Christine Bestel Oxenford of Clarksburg, MD and Ashley Bestel and fiance Paige Whippo of Silverthorne, CO; Kristina's children, Stefan Sculac and Delana Sculac; grandchildren, Lauren, Erin and Ryan Oxenford, Gabrielle, Christina and Joshua Hall; great grandchild, Oceane Hall; siblings, Pierre Bestel and wife Martine, Marie Helen Faucomprez and husband Jean Luc and Jack Bestel, all of France. He was predeceased by brother Georges Bestel. Services: An open-house style celebration of life will take place from 1:00-5:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 5 at Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main Street, Bethlehem. The family is looking forward to welcoming friends in the Lehigh Room where we will enjoy music and memories celebrating John and his amazing life. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in John's memory to Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Pl, Emmaus, PA 18049, Habitat for Humanity, 245 N. Graham St., Allentown, PA 18109, or CAT-Coalition for Appropriate Transportation, 1935 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Cantelmi-Long Funeral Home 500 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 866-8059