John Peter Seitzinger, 85, of Allentown, died July 29, 2017, in his home.

He and his wife Suzanne C. (Plarr) Seitzinger were married 19 years last Dec. 6.

Born May 6, 1932, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late James M. and Marie E. (Kellerman) Seitzinger.

He attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, and was ordained into the priesthood in May 1960.

In 1961, he was appointed secretary to Bishop Joseph McShea and served in that capacity for 17 years.

He was elevated to monsignor in 1969; serving the Sacred Heart Parish and Hospital, Allentown, Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christian parish, Allentown, and Pastor of St. Paul parish in Reading for a combined 37 years of service to the Diocese of Allentown.

He left the active ministry in 1997 and was ultimately laicized.

He will be forever remembered for his love and generosity and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, James Seitzinger of Orefield; nieces; nephews; stepchildren and grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3 at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 11th and Washington streets, Allentown.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday in the church narthex.

Interment will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery, Emmaus.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lehigh County Meals on Wheels and/or to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.