Joseph D. Orban, 79, of Northampton County, died Aug. 2, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest following complications from cardiac surgery. He was born in Bethlehem to the late Joseph and Margaret (Donchess) Orban. He was the husband of Mary (Lane) Orban for nearly 58 years.

He was a graduate of Liberty HS and served in the U.S. Air Force 1964 to 1969, achieving the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Germany, he met Mary Lane.

He raced cars, winning nearly 20 races alongside legends such as Michael Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and actor Paul Newman. He later followed in his father’s footsteps with a career in plumbing and went on to teach the trade as an instructor at West Side Area Vocational-Technical School for 15 years, retiring in 2008.

He was passionate about animal welfare and a loyal companion to his cherished rescue beagle, Rose.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lisa A. Orban, and her husband, Sachin A. Davé of London, UK; son, Garrett P. Orban, and his wife, Randyn M. Orban of Bethlehem; and grandson, Xander L. Orban.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to The Beagle Freedom Project, a cause close to his heart, bfp.org/donate/