John I. Iverson

John I. Iverson, 93, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, with his children by his side. Born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, John was the youngest of Einar and Amelia "Dolly" Iverson's three children. John earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan and Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and served in the Army as a Staff Sergeant in the Engineer Corps. It was as an undergraduate that John had the good fortune to meet fellow University of Michigan student Patricia "Tish" (Quigley) Iverson. John was devoted to Tish and they were married 62 years when she predeceased him in 2017. Upon graduation from Law School in 1958, John and Tish moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where they resided the duration of their lives. John's career began as a Patent Attorney at Bethlehem Steel Corporation; he retired 35 years later as Patent, Trademark and Licensing Counsel in 1993. For several years, post Bethlehem Steel, John was employed as Special Patent Counsel in the Allentown, Pa. Law Office of Eckert, Seamans, Cherin & Mellot. Not only was John an avid University of Michigan football fan, he and Tish shared a love of travel, camping, skiing, and especially cooking and entertaining. Very few patent attorneys begin and end their careers on culinary highs. As a young Bethlehem Steel professional, John framed the blue ribbon he won for his bread at the Allentown Fair. He continued baking his award-winning bread and other treats for family, friends, and colleagues, and at his full retirement, John enrolled at Northampton Community College, earning a specialized diploma in Culinary Arts. In later years, John and Tish resided at Kirkland senior living in Bethlehem surrounded by very dear friends and neighbors. John was a proud and loving father and grandfather to his son David, wife Barbara, and their children Bridget and Eric; and daughter Nancy and her children John Patrick and Emma. An active volunteer, John was a trustee of Bethlehem's First Presbyterian Church, a scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 2, president of the Sayre Child Center in Bethlehem, president of the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association, and president of the Lehigh Valley Mental Health Board. John's memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, contributions can be made to the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association, 100 Illick's Mill Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.