Joseph A. Ludrof Jr., 91, died Jan. 27, 2026, at Phoebe Home, Allentown. He was the husband of the late Barbara A. (Reinhard) Ludrof for 71 years.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Sr. and Terese (Gregor) Ludrof.

He attended Northampton High School for two years and Allentown Central Catholic High School for two years, having graduated from ACCHS in 1952. At both schools, he played both football and basketball. He was co-captain of the ACCHS basketball team that won the PCIAA 1952 State Championship. In 1952-53, he attended Rider University on a full basketball scholarship. He completed his college education with a degree from Penn State University in 1959. He was inducted into the ACCHS Wall of Fame in 1993.

He served as a controller, business manager, treasurer and accountant for many companies with operations in the Lehigh Valley, including Modern Transfer, Mary MacIntosh Laudries, Bethlehem Contracting and the Welder Training and Testing Institute. In 1999, he retired after working at the King, McCardle law firm in Allentown.

He served on the public safety committee for Lower Macungie Township, as well as engaging with community-based organizations such as Salisbury Township and East Penn School District.

He was a founding member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church and served as the school board treasurer and coach of the CYO high school boys basketball team. He was a past treasurer of Trident Swim Club and ACCHS Booster Club. He was chairman of the board for the Old Time Athletes and Friends Group.

He is survived by two sons, Joseph III of Fountain Hill and John with Natalie of Allentown; two daughters, Julia Scott of Allentown and Jane Merritt with Stan of Phoenixville; a daughter-in-law, Lori of Cranberry Township; a sister-in-law, Beverly Fekula with Jack of Whitehall; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr., Joseph with Katelyn, Jim Merritt with Sandi, Brian with Ailee, Jared, Laura Lesagonicz with Chris, Abigail and Tori Merritt; 10 great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Blake, Owen, Tanner, Cheyenne, Audrey, Emery, Benjamin, Hayden and Leo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Sr.; and two sisters, Teresa Lewis and Jeanne Tilghman.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home.