Anthony G. "Tony" Herschitz, 72, of New Tripoli, died May 25, 2015, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.

He and his wife Esther M. (Gruber) Herschitz celebrated their 52nd wedding aniversary in January.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Anthony and Marjorie (Newhard) Herschitz.

A 1962 graduate of William Allen High School, Allentown, he was a self-employed general contractor for more than 40 years, until retiring in 2002.

A member of Jacob's Church, Jacksonville, Lynn Township, he was a former sound technician there.

Over the years, he and his wife opened their hearts and home to many foster children through The Lutheran Home at Topton and later from Pinebrook Family Services, Allentown.

Some of those children included Leroy Guldner, Solimar Centeno, Gail Leiby, Kayla Clark and Tina Lopez, along with countless others.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, April Beth Daugherty of Macungie, Faith Marjorie Campbell of Brodheadsville, Rachael Elizabeth Heintzelman of New Tripoli; son Anthony Robert Herschitz of New Tripoli; sister Carolyn Zehner of Kaneohe, Hawaii; brothers, Dale Zehner of Manassas, Va., Charles Zehner of Fairfield; six grandchildren; a great-grandaughter Abby and his beloved canine companion Lucy.

He was predeceased by his brother Robert Zehner.

His funeral service will be 11 a.m. June 8, in Jacob's Church , 8373 Kings Highway, New Tripoli, with a calling hour beginning 10 a.m.

The Rev. Scott L. Shay will officiate.

Interment will take place in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the funeral home to help offset final expenses.

Arrangements made by Nester Funeral Home, 8405 Kings Highway, New Tripoli.