William John Allen

      William John Allen, 91, of Wernersville, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Reading Hospital. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John William and Alice (Qualters) Allen. Following his mother’s passing in his infancy, he was raised by his Aunt Helena (Qualters) Hartzell and Uncle Howard B Hartzell. He was the loving husband of Mary Elizabeth (Vadasz) Allen. They met at a Catholic Youth Organization dance, and he knew from the moment he saw her he was going to marry her. Together they shared 57 years of marriage until her passing on August 31, 2017. 

      Bill graduated from Liberty High School in 1951. A natural athlete, he played in regional basketball and baseball leagues during his younger years. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He received his BS in Business Education from Moravian College in 1959 where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Phi Kappa and the Veteran’s Association. He obtained his Master of Education from Lehigh University in 1966. Bill worked as a business and computer education teacher for the Bethlehem Area School District at Liberty High School for 33 years until his retirement in 1992. He was an avid golfer and reader and enjoyed discussing history and politics. He took great pride in his family and called them “His Treasures”. He will be remembered for his kindness and his humor.

      Bill is survived by his daughters, Mary Elizabeth Rosenberry, of West Lawn and Catherine Ann Thoma, wife of Morgan of Maple Grove, MN. Also surviving are his grandchildren, William H. Rosenberry, of Santa Barbara, CA and Madeline Thoma, of Rochester, MN, his sister, Agnes (Allen) Halloway, of Mountain Top, PA and brother-in-law, Thomas P Vadasz of Bethlehem, PA. Bill is predeceased by his siblings, John Morgan Allen, Eleanor (Allen) Rose, Joan Hartzell-Murto, William Hartzell, and Robert Hartzell.

      Services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a book in his memory to the Bethlehem Public Library. Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring, is managing the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.