Dr. James Edward Kintzel

Dr. James E. Kintzel, 87, of Allentown, a well-known Lehigh Valley Nephrologist, passed away on Thursday, September 4th, at his residence. He was the husband of Kay (Corman) Kintzel, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Harry and Dorothy (Schnurman) Kintzel. James first attended Franklin & Marshall College and then continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his fellowship in nephrology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. On August 28th, 1965, James married Kay Corman at St John's United Church of Christ in Shamokin. In 1968, they started their family, welcoming their first of three sons. At that time, nephrology was an emerging field, and dialysis had just become available as a life-saving treatment for an otherwise fatal condition. Driven by commitment to his community, Dr. Kintzel returned to Allentown in 1969 after his training and immediately went to work, expanding this treatment both to hospitalized patients and shortly thereafter led a team dedicated to expanding a home dialysis program and a charity to support what was then a treatment not covered by Medicare or insurance. By starting his own practice and joining the medical staff at Allentown Hospital (now part of Lehigh Valley Hospital), he was instrumental in forming a pioneering nephrology practice that evolved into Eastern PA Nephrology and ultimately transitioned into Kidney Care Specialists Valley Kidney—the premier nephrology practice in the region—now comprising more than 30 board-certified physicians and advanced practitioners. Dr. Kintzel dedicated 53 years of tireless service to patient care, retiring only three years ago. In addition to his clinical dedication, Dr. Kintzel and his wife established the James E. Kintzel and Kay Kintzel Endowed Chair in Nephrology at Lehigh Valley Hospital, cementing their commitment to advancing kidney care in the community. Through his leadership, introduction of new dialysis technology, and generous mentorship of fellow clinicians, Dr. Kintzel was instrumental in earning national recognition for Lehigh Valley Hospital's nephrology department. He is survived by his wife, Kay, and his sons, Drs. Timothy Kintzel and Eliza Ng of Lakeville, CT, Jeffrey Kintzel and wife Katherine of Lafayette, CO, Christopher Kintzel, and wife Carrie Polley of Towson, MD, and grandchildren Pearse, Leigh, Lily, and Harrison Kintzel. Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, September 12th, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturday, the 13th, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, located at 1601 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA 18102. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13th, at 10:00 am at the same location. Interment will be at Jerusalem Western Salisbury Cemetery in Allentown. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate James's life after internment at the Lehigh Country Club at 2319 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a choice of charities dear to his heart: The Lehigh Valley Hospital Foundation, The Allentown Art Museum, the Lehigh Valley Historical Society, and the Pennsylvania Audubon Society.

Dr. James Edward Kintzel

September 4, 2025