John M. Hengstenberger

John M. Hengstenberger, 72, of Bethlehem, died Monday, August 14, 2023, in central PA. He was born July 6th, 1951, in Bethlehem, PA, son of the late John J. Hengstenberger and Mary (DeAngelis) Hengstenberger. John is the son-in-law of the late Gordon B. and Lucille S. Goodman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanie, sister-in-law, Judy, and brothers-in-law, Geoff, and Ross.

John, aka: Huntsy, The Hunts, The Big Cat, My Johnny, The Million Dollar Dad, Pap, Pappy, and Dad, was a loyal friend, loving husband, an awesome Dad, and Grandfather. Despite not feeling well the last few years, he always put a good face on for his friends, family, and nurses at Fresenius Kidney Care Bethlehem. John was a graduate of Liberty High School, Bethlehem, PA class of 1969 and attended Northampton Community College.

He worked mostly as a crane operator at Bethlehem Steel for 30 years, but also contributed to the daily operations of the Grover Cleveland Democratic Association in Bethlehem, PA, spending 30+ years as a board member. He loved to fish, golf, hunt, bowl, play softball, shoot darts, collect coins, root for the Flyers, (Eagles & Phillies too) collect hockey cards, play hearts, play dominos, and spend time in Clinton County, PA where he and friends and family would enjoy “the cabin”. He was a charter member of the Tri-County Rod & Gun Association where he served as President for many years. His passion for hunting subsided and an appreciation for observing the wildlife in beautiful Leidy Township became his enjoyment, particularly the bobcat, elk, deer, hummingbirds, and black bears. He converted Susie from an avid beach enthusiast to a mountain camping companion. He engaged in North Central LL of Bethlehem, PA coaching, volunteering, and serving as President. In addition to the above clubs, he held memberships with: “The Lincoln Gang,” The Panthers AA, The Jeff’s, The Wanderer’s, and Goodfellows Club all of Bethlehem, PA.

John will be deeply missed by his loving, loyal wife of 48 years, Sue Ellen (Susie) (Goodman) Hengstenberger, of Bethlehem, PA. His son, Brian and daughter-in-law, Amber of Allentown, PA; his daughter, Amanda of Bethlehem, PA; and his three grandchildren, Bennett, Clara, and Finley; his family, Richard (Bass), Joel, Jean, and Richard Walker, Jayne and Elmer Smith, and Mary as well as his in-laws, Doug, and Katie Goodman, of CT, and Vicki Goodman of Exton, PA. The Davis Family, Erin Hengstenberger, Liz D’Amico, Jeanne Hart all had special places in his heart, not to say all the cousins, nieces, nephews, and FRIENDS.

Services will remain private. Arrangements are under the direction of Connell Funeral Home, Inc., Bethlehem. Please share a memory, thought, or photo at connellfuneral.com.