Matthew Allen Christman, 29, of Allentown, died April 23, 2015. He was the son of Terry and Marge Christman, of Allentown.

An accomplished athlete, he attended Salisbury High School. He was a four-year letter winner of the high school football program. Upon graduating, he attended Albright College with an awarded football scholarship. While attending Albright College his passion for becoming a first responder started. He graduated with a degree in criminology. He attended the Allentown Police Academy, graduating with its 85th class.

He worked at Moravian College as a campus patrolman until getting his call to and I quote the "Big Leagues," a dream come true for someone with so much passion for becoming a first responder and he worked for the City of Allentown as a police officer.

He was truly a compassionate and caring soul never failing to give of himself for his passion as a first responder and a great Eagles fan.

He is survived by his parents; maternal grandmother Melitta Szekeres, of Allentown; aunts and uncles, Scott and Louise, of Coopersburg, Peter and Sherry Szekeres, of Michigan and Chas and Aniko Ritchie, of Allentown; cousins, Tyler and Rose Christman, Kris and Kiran Szekeres, Jenny and Wade Hull, Clay and Tracey Mathews and Adrian Ritchie and fiance Andrew Volpetti; his favorite night owl cat, Stormy.

Contributions may be made to Animals in Distress, P.O. Box 609, Coopersburg, 18036 or to Good Shepherd UCC, 3940 Mountain Road, Slatington, 18080.

A calling period to greet the family will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 29, in the main room at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 17th and Hamilton streets, Allentown, followed by a memorial service 7:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. April 30 at Western Salisbury Cemetery, Devonshire Road, Allentown.