Donald Edward Barilla Sr.

Following a lifetime of service, Donald Edward Barilla Sr., M.D., 81, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born on August 15, 1944, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he spent the majority of his life in Lehigh County. His wife Louise Ann (Brown) Barilla, younger brother James Barilla, and parents John Barilla and Mary (Mullen) Barilla preceded him in death. Despite the void his passing leaves for us, we take comfort in knowing he is again joined with his beloved Louise. Donald was a rigorous scholar, graduating from Slatington High School near the top of his class in 1962. He attended St. Joseph's University and Hahnemann Medical College, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Donald served as an Air Force Captain for two years, completed his residency at Allentown Hospital, and an Endocrinology Fellowship at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. Donald served his community practicing medicine through private practice and at Lehigh Valley Health Network from 1977, until his retirement at the age of 72. As a physician and friend, he helped anyone in need of care, friendship, a kind word, or a compassionate ear. Notwithstanding the gravity of his work, close family and friends fondly remember him singing "Oh Tannenbaum" at Christmas (badly), and imitating Mr. Ed and Goofy for his kids, nieces, and nephews. An Eagles fan to his core, Super Bowl LIX was the greatest gift he received during his final year. Fly Eagles Fly! He loved dogs, all things baseball, Civil War history, and classical music. He lived life in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi as an instrument of peace, love, pardon, faith, hope, light and joy. Survivors: Daughter, Jennifer Elaine Cullen; Son-in-law, Gary Cullen; Son, Donald Edward Barilla Jr.; Grandchildren, Janen Ryan Cullen, Samantha Ann Cullen, and Audrey Laine Cullen; Brother, John Barilla; Nephews, Thomas Christman, Paul Christman, John (Alex) Barilla and Stephen Weller; Nieces, Sherianne Ball, Pamela Maloney, and Suzanne Mengel. Services: Calling hours begin at 9:30 am, Friday August 29, 2025, at St.Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, PA, with the Funeral Mass at 11 am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, in Allentown, PA, will immediately follow the Mass. Arrangements made by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown, www.BKRFH.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.