Edward C. Bleiler, 75, of East Allen Township, died suddenly at his residence May 4, 2021. He was the husband of Karen K. (Hoke) Bleiler for 25 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Charles H. Jr. and Nadine (Rader) Bleiler.

He was a 1963 graduate of Allentown High School.

He was an ICFN in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was a line splicer for Verizon for more than 41 years before he retired in 2007.

He was a member of Faith Family Fellowship Church, Nazareth.

He was a past member of the Germansville Lions Club, acting president of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Telephone Pioneers, a member of the CWA Union and was a former Boy Scout troop leader in Allentown.

He was Santa Claus for many children for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Neil and his wife Rochelle of North Catasauqua; two stepdaughters, Michele Roberts of Northampton and Cheryl Hoffman of Bethlehem; a stepson, Michael Hoffman of Bath; a brother, Jeffrey Bleiler of Clarkridge, Ark.; two sisters, Darla Scoville of Alliance, Ohio, and Deborah and her husband of Lester Wenger of Allentown; and five grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Susan (Miller) Bleiler; and a son, Edward Bleiler Jr.

There will be a calling time 6-8 p.m. June 3 at the funeral home, 2119 Washington Ave., Northampton. Services will be private. The public is reminded to continue wearing facial coverings while indoors.

Contributions may be made to the church, 1002 Bushkill Center Road, Nazareth, 18064; or to an animal rescue group of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Schisler Funeral Home Inc.