Joseph Orban

Joseph D. Orban, 79, of Northampton County, PA, passed away peacefully on August 2nd, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest following complications from cardiac surgery. He was the devoted husband of Mary (Lane) Orban for nearly 58 years.

Born on September 29, 1945, in Bethlehem, PA, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Donchess) Orban, Joe was a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Liberty High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served proudly from 1964 to 1969, achieving the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Germany, he met Mary Lane, who would later become his beloved wife. Following his honorable discharge, Joe pursued his passion for car racing-winning nearly 20 races, and even racing alongside legends such as Michael Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and actor Paul Newman. He later followed in his father's footsteps with a career in plumbing and went on to teach the trade as an instructor at West Side Area Vocational-Technical School for 15 years, retiring in 2008.

Joe was an avid Formula 1 fan and found great joy in the excitement of a good race. A devoted dog lover, he was especially passionate about animal welfare. Joe's sense of humor was one of his most memorable traits-quick-witted and playful, he had a remarkable ability to bring laughter to those around him and never took life too seriously.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal companion to his cherished rescue beagle, Rose.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Joe is survived by his daughter, Lisa A. Orban, and her husband, Sachin A. Davé of London, UK; his son, Garrett P. Orban, and his wife, Randyn M. Orban of Bethlehem, PA; and his grandson, Xander L. Orban.

Service: A memorial service will be held 1pm Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Joe's name to The Beagle Freedom Project, a cause close to his heart, https://bfp.org/donate/