Joseph M. Schlachter, 85, of Lower Macungie Twp., died Dec. 24, 2013, in his home. He was the husband of Kathryn (Mathews) Schlachter. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Gastel) Schlachter.

He was a mechanical engineer with several companies in Connecticut over his 45-year career prior to his retirement.

He served in the Navy and was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Emmaus, where he was a former usher.

He was a 1946 graduate of Central Catholic High School, Allentown and graduated college in Connecticut.

He is survived by his wife; stepchildren, Michael Lichman and his wife, Christine, Bernadette Lichman, Sharon and her husband Paul Ulicny, Yvonne and her husband Ralph Cardamone, Matthew Lichman and his wife Janna, Cynthia and her husband Eric Joyner, Timothy Lichman and his wife Melissa, Joseph Lichman and his wife Karen, and Mary Jane and her husband James Beck; sister, Loretta Gulla; 23 stepgrandchildren; 17 stepgreat-grandchildren; nieces; nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Anne (Larkins); stepdaughter, Kathryn Lichman; stepgreat-grandson, Matthew Lichman.

Contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements were made by the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus.