John St. Clair

John Beidler St. Clair, 91, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, PA. Our beloved Uncle John, known affectionately as JB, led a life filled with youthful energy, humor, travel, lasting friendships, and a deep connection to family.

John, the younger of two sons of Gladys (Beidler) and David "Pete" St. Clair III, was born on July 28, 1934, and raised in Bethlehem, PA. John was a graduate of Liberty High School and a 1957 graduate of Cornell University where he was active in the glee club and the Delta Phi fraternity. He served as an officer in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959, primarily stationed in Korea. Following his service, John returned to Pennsylvania and built his career as a product specialist at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, retiring at the young age of 50.

John was a charter member of the Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club, where he led the Youth International Exchange Program for many years, creating meaningful exchange experiences for hundreds of students and host families locally and abroad. He forged lifelong friendships with these students, some of whom stayed connected to him through long stays, shorter visits, calls, letters, and emails literally until his passing. His commitment to youth development continued after retirement as he coached the Moravian Academy girls' tennis team and the Freedom High School boys' tennis team. Being around young people was the secret to his own enduring youthfulness and joie de vivre.

Retiring at 50 gave John ample time to pursue his passions: fishing, skiing, traveling (often to visit former exchange students), and spending time with friends and family. His love of fishing began when as a six (6) year old his father joined the Mink Pond Club in Bushkill, PA in the Pocono Mountains. Mink Pond held special significance for John and generations of St. Clairs, as evidenced from his father's PA state prize-winning bass still mounted on the bar wall, to John's treasured boat where he spent hours casting for bass and pickerel. A masterful fly fisherman, John knew exactly which fly to use and where to place it to attract the biggest trout. He generously passed these skills to his niece and nephews, and though none ever reached his level of mastery, he continued the tradition with their spouses, and children. He taught them all to fish while sharing old stories, sprinkling every lesson with his unmistakable humor. These visits created lasting, joyful memories and deepened the family's appreciation for the outdoors and John's playful spirit.

Lest we leave his memory too sparkly, John was also a fiercely independent, confirmed bachelor. This occasionally led to bouts of stubbornness, an entrenchment in his way of doing things, and a humor that bordered on risqué. At times, he could be quick to snap, but without fail, he was just as quick with a self-deprecating chuckle and a sheepish smile by way of apology. This was all part of his charm. His family and friends loved him deeply and will miss him greatly.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his older brother, David A. St. Clair IV, whom he affectionately called "Davie"; and his father's second wife, Bernice (Staudinger) St. Clair, who met his father at the Mink Pond Club and later married after both had been widowed. John and Bernice were great friends and fellow fishermen who remained steadfastly connected even after his father's death.

He is survived by his devoted sister-in-law, Gail H. St. Clair, who always ensured that Uncle John was included in all family celebrations; his niece, Susan S. Fowler, her husband Jeff, and their children Ted and Gabi; his nephew, David A. St. Clair V, his wife Julie, their children Alex and Peter, and grandson Andrew; his nephew, John H. St. Clair, his wife Kelli Dugan, and their children Ainsley, Jack, and Eliot; his

Norwegian goddaughters, Lotte and Rikke Westfal-Larsen Prytz; and many friends whom he considered true family.

A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem and a burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club (Youth Exchange Program) or First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.