Stephen A. Justham, Ph. D., died Oct. 21, 2012, as a result of complications from diabetes and heart disease.

Born May 22, 1937, in New Kensington, to Alton and Margaret (Gall) Justham, in reality he arrived 300 years too late, possessing enormous and lasting curiosity in all people, places and things, as would any Renaissance Man.

An accomplished student and educator, he was forever inspired by the "spark of learning."

As a career teacher, he never awarded a test score of 100 percent, as nobody is perfect.

When his meteorology students felt failing a course ushered in the end of their world, he would say, "Don't let it get you down. I flunked out of Penn State," which he did.

After Penn State, he served four years in the U.S. Navy ("never aboard ship"), then earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

After teaching at Ball State, Muncie, Ind., he moved to Kutztown University first as a professor of geography, then chair of the geography department from 1985-89; assistant provost in 1989; vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the State System of Higher Education from 1991-92; and co-chair of the System Faculty Professional Development Council.

Most of all, he enjoyed the classroom.

He was passionate about higher education but also loved travel, The History Channel, Pittsburgh Steelers, weather, musical theater, spicy foods, "spirits," Disney, Sinatra, bowling, gadgets, poker night, Dilbert, his dog Alex, and lively conversation with anyone at anytime on any subject.

He was an author, Royal Meteorological Society Fellow, member of St. Constantine Greek Orthodox Church, ultra light pilot, eclectic collector, had hearty laugher, true friend and a devoted and loving husband.

In 1959, he fell in love with, and proposed to Marian Dutton. After an 18-month engagement, they separated for 37 years and finally reunited and married in 2001.

True love can sometimes take a lifetime.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Marian J.; daughters Stacie L. Madden and her husband James of Lynnwood, Wash.; Amanda J. Sharpe of Mt. Lake Terrace, Wash.; twins Kristin M. and Cheryl L. Justham, both of Staten Island, N.Y.; son Stephen A. Jr. of New Kingston; and grandchildren Jared Baley, Darian Sharpe and Alana Madden.

His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Oct. 27, at Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., 1018 Church St., Fogels-ville, with the Rev. Joanne Marchetto officiating.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 502 Bethlehem, PA 18018; and/or to the American Heart Association Northeast PA District, 212 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18106 .