Each year, Lehigh County Offices of Aging and Adult Services celebrates and recognizes residents aged 60 and older who give back and help improve the lives of others through the Unsung Heroes program.

“Unsung Heroes are people who live quietly among us, inspiring all those who are privileged to know them,” according to the Lehigh County summer 2021 newsletter.

The theme for this year is “Communities of Strength” and features particular emphasis on building powerful connections and engagements in communities.

To be considered for the award, a person must be a Lehigh County resident who is at least 60 years old. The person must have performed volunteer contributions or services that promoted, enhanced and enriched the quality of life for others. Each person is nominated by someone in his or her life who sends a description of the work and accomplishments.

There were more than 20 recipients of the award this year. Among those recipients is a Catasauqua Borough man.

Edward Marth has been actively volunteering his time between St. John the Baptist Church, Allentown, and Kohut Funeral Home for many years, according to his nominator.

As a lifelong member of the church, the octogenarian continues his services as a lector and an adult altar server. It was noted he often performs both roles simultaneously and will often perform the duties as a last-minute request.

The funeral supervisor will engage Marth’s services at community funerals. His nominator mentioned Marth willingly and enthusiastically assists.

In keeping busy at 86 years old, he volunteers his time in charitable, inspirational and healthy ways.

Marth’s nominator described him with four characteristics - vitality, altruism, availability and caring.

He was noted as exhibiting not only a physical vitality, but a spiritual one as well. His altruism is seen in the giving of his time and talent to the parish community and the funeral home. His readiness at a moment’s notice to assist with services speaks to his availability. Marth’s compassion and thoughtfulness is a testament to his caring nature.

“Edward may not make a ‘grand’ impact, but his kindness while assisting in the above indicated roles does make a difference,” his nominator said. “He is an Unsung Hero.”