Dennis Dale Newhart

Dennis Dale Newhart, 79, of Nazareth, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth. He was the husband of Patricia Ann (Renzo) Newhart. Dennis was born in Fountain Hill on January 11, 1947 to the late Dale and Phoebe (Simpson) Newhart. Dennis was a graduate of Northampton Area High School and earned his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1968, where he was a member of the esteemed Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He earned a masters degree in industrial engineering (1972) and an M.B.A. (1983) from Lehigh University.

He spent his career as an industrial engineer, significantly impacting the steel industry through his work at Bethlehem Steel and other steel companies. In addition to his work as an industrial engineer, Dennis enjoyed teaching and spent many years as an adjunct professor at Lehigh University. His faith and community involvement were central to his life, reflecting his belief in the importance of service to others. Dennis was an active member of the former Messiah Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, where he served on the Church Council and in many other volunteer roles. He taught Sunday School at Messiah, where he will be remembered as the teacher who regularly took the class to McDonald's for breakfast. He had a strong Christian faith, and always respected others' beliefs. He shared his gift of a beautiful voice at Christmas time when he would sing "O Holy Night" at Christmas Eve services. He served on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Manor for over a decade.

Dennis was a devoted father and grandfather. He never missed a dance recital, theatre performance, or sporting event if it involved one of his children or grandchildren. As he was raising his family, he always modeled the lessons of treating people kindly, living a life of faith, working hard, and serving others. He enjoyed living in Bethlehem, and delighted in taking the family to see downtown Bethlehem and the Christmas lights during the holiday season.

Dennis loved all things sports and history. A proud alum of Penn State, he was especially a devoted fan of Nittany Lion football for decades. Also an avid chess player, Dennis often studied attack and win strategies regularly and was always up for a game. He regularly read books about various historical events and never hesitated to give a history lecture at the dinner table.

In addition to his kind and gentle heart and humble demeanor, Dennis will be remembered for having a wit like no other that delighted friends and family alike, even if his "dad jokes" caused his daughters (and their friends) to cringe at times.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 52 years are his daughters, Allison B. Newhart and her husband Michael Hash of Raleigh, NC, Stephanie and her husband Jack Mattrey of Amherst, MA; siblings, Ronald and his wife Patsy Newhart of Lebanon, PA, Donald Newhart of Bellefonte, Nancy and her husband Dennis Biechy of Whitehall; grandchildren, Jada, Gianna & Ruby Mattrey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to the amazing and dedicated caregivers at Moravian Hall Square during the last several years and Family Pillars Hospice more recently. The dignity, compassion and care that they showed Dennis and the support they provided to our family throughout his journey were great gifts to all of us and will never be forgotten.

Services: Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing, 10-11am Friday, August 7, 2026 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem followed by a service at 11am. The interment will conclude services at Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morningstar Living Foundation, 175 W. North Street, Nazareth, PA 18064 and/or Family Pillars Hospice, 3910 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017.