Richard J. Hontz, of Emmaus, died Oct. 20, 2019, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown. He was the husband of Gladys M. (Lapp) Hontz. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary last month. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Earl W.D. and Ida (Whitehouse) Hontz.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

He was an animal control officer with the Emmaus Police Department for 32 years, retiring in 2016. Previously, he worked at Bethlehem Steel.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus.

He was a member of the Queen City Pistol League.

He was a member of Jordan-Martin Lodge #673, Allentown, Huguenot Lodge #377, Kutztown and Rajah Shrine, Reading.

He is survived by his wife; sister, Gloria and her husband, Raymond Chimarys, of Allentown. He was predeceased by brothers, Earl and Donald and sisters, Lorraine and Constance.

Contributions may be made to Sanctuary at Haafsville, 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, 18031, Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, 2250 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown, 18951 or Eye Tumor Research Foundation, P.O. Box 832, Philadelphia, 19105.

A calling hour will be held 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24 with a Masonic Service 10:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service, all at the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown.