Harold A. Batdorf

Harold A. Batdorf Harold A. Batdorf, age 91, of Allentown, passed away peacefully at his home at Luther Crest on April 7, 2026. Born on October 19, 1934, on the Andrew Koppenheffer farm in Halifax, PA, Harold was the son of the late Roy H. and Ruth I. (Koppenheffer) Batdorf. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Joan (Rigler) Batdorf, and was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Rae (Steiner) Batdorf. Harold is lovingly remembered by his sons, Keith H. of Fort Worth, TX, and Brian J. of Louisville, KY; his stepdaughters, Carol Stager of Telford, PA, and Laura Sherve and her husband John of Missoula, MT. Surviving siblings include his sisters, Bonita Gullo of Bowling Green, KY, and Wilma Rockey of Lewisberry, PA and his brother, Daryl along with his wife Deborah of Columbia, PA; surviving nieces are Gina and husband Dave Powers, Michele Steiner and nephews Michael Batdorf and Orso Gullo, along with his wife Anne. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A graduate of New Cumberland High School (Class of 1953), Harold went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958 as an electrician’s mate aboard the USS Plumas County (LST-1083). He continued his education at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, graduating with honors in 1961, and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College in 1970. In 1981, he earned his Professional Engineering license. Harold enjoyed a long career, beginning at Bell Telephone Laboratories from 1961 to 1979, and continuing with Western Electric/AT&T Microelectronics/Lucent until his retirement in 1989 as a Senior Engineer. Faith was an important part of Harold’s life. He was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, where he served as an Elder. Earlier, he was active at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he found joy in singing with the choir. His commitment to service extended to his involvement in Freemasonry, where he was a member of New Temple Lodge #720, Lehigh Consistory, and Rajah Shrine. He had the honor of serving as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 2012. Harold gave generously of his time, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 90 at Midway Manor Moravian Church. He guided young scouts in developing skills ranging from leadership, to orienteering, to outdoor survival, creating lasting memories through numerous hikes, cycling adventures, and snowy winter camporees. Music was one of Harold’s greatest joys. He shared his love of singing with the Summer Harmony men’s chorus of the Lehigh Valley. He delighted in playing jazz and classics on his piano, and teaching his step grandchildren piano basics. He also found happiness in working alongside his family on home improvement projects, and restoring his cherished silver Jaguar coupe. In retirement, he and his wife, Joan, especially enjoyed traveling together in their RV. Harold will be remembered for his kindness, quiet strength, and joy he found in family, music, faith, and service. A memorial service is planned for later this summer at First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Allentown or the Masonic Homes by giving directly at their website, masoniccharitiespa.org, or by mail at: Masonic Homes Benevolent Care 1 Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-599-6454