Reverend Dean A. Stortz

       Reverend Dean A. Stortz, 79, of Allentown passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 in Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. Born in Emmaus, he was the son of the late Lillian C. (Kauffman) and Edward A. Stortz. Dean was the loving husband of Donna L. (Bailey) Stortz, together they shared 52 years of marriage. He is remembered as a faithful and caring husband, father, and pastor.
       Dean received a diploma from Berean Bible Institute, a Bachelor’s Degree from Covenant College, and a Master’s Degree from Alliance Theological Seminary. He and his family served as missionaries in Germany for three years before returning home and starting a career as a Pastor. Dean pastored Christian communities for three decades in New Fairfield, Connecticut and Toms River, New Jersey. He planted the Church of the Cross in Toms River and was its primary spiritual leader for over two decades.  After retiring, Dean served as an Interim Pastor, Chaplin, and Elder for various congregations in the Bible Fellowship Church. He was a Board Member overseeing Fellowship Community, a senior care facility in Whitehall, PA,  for 30 years.  
Before his career in ministry, Dean spent time as a history teacher, athletics coach, and banker. He was a lifelong sports fan, following Penn State athletics along with the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Eagles. Dean also maintained an extensive library of theological and historical works, which he enjoyed reading throughout his life.

       In addition to his wife, Donna, Dean is survived by his sons: Stephen E. Stortz, husband of Jenny of Stony Brook Long Island, NY; Andrew L. Stortz, of Portland, OR; and Eric A. Stortz, husband of Lindsay of Durham, NC.  Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, Cynthia, Matthew, Hannah, Sarah, Nathan, Ruth, Barrett, and Rebecca.  Dean is preceded in death by his siblings, Rodney Stortz and Janice Morgan.  

       A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 am in Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, 418 Elm Street, Emmaus, PA 18049.  If you are unable to attend the Memorial Service and would like to watch it live please use this link, https://youtube.com/live/t-9A6rSYmP0?feature=share.  The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in Bethel Bible Fellowship Church.  There is limited parking at Bethel Bible Fellowship Church.  Please use the parking lot at Jefferson Elementary School and avoid parking at St. John's United Church of Christ.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fellowship Community (Whitehall PA) or the Bible Fellowship Church Extension Department. Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.