Burton “Buddy” R. Klinger Jr., 79, of Salisbury Township, died June 1, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill. Born in Montgomery, Ala., he was the son of the late Burton and Geraldine (Young) Klinger. He was the beloved husband of Carol A. (Berger) Klinger, with whom he shared a life full of laughter, devotion and unwavering partnership.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 and proudly served, actively, until 1969 when he transferred to duty in the Naval Reserves until 1971. He was honored to have his picture, along with his father and brothers who served in the military, displayed on the “Hometown Heroes” Wall of Honor at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. He dedicated more than three decades of his life to Bethlehem Steel Company, retiring in 1995 after 31 years of hard and honest work.

Retirement didn’t slow him down – he continued contributing to his community through 20 more years at Auto Parts Warehouse, where he was known for his reliability, warm spirit and strong work ethic.

A man of quiet faith, he was a former member of Church of the Manger United Church of Christ until its closing and continued his spiritual journey with the congregation of St. Thomas United Church of Christ.

More than anything, he will be remembered for the love he poured into his family. He found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life — casting a line on a still lake at sunrise, sitting quietly in the woods during hunting season or sharing stories and smiles with his grandchildren. His presence was a steady compass, his wisdom a gift and his laughter a comfort that filled every room he entered.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by mother-in-law, Mary Kathryn (Lippy); daughters, Lindsay A., and her husband, Nathan Bleam, of Emmaus, Courtney R. and her companion, David Smith, of Souderton; sisters, Barbara Weiss and her husband, John, of Allentown, Patricia, of Bethlehem; brothers, Gerald and his wife, Teri, of Bethlehem, Dale and his wife, Tammie, of Bethlehem, Richard and his wife, Karen, of Aberdeen, Md.; three grandchildren.

He was predeceased by parents; father-in-law Robert Berger.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 902 E. Macada Road, Bethlehem, 18017 in memory of Burton R. Klinger.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at Pearsonfh@aol.com.