John P. Kalynych, 50, of Hellertown, former longtime resident of Catasauqua, died suddenly on Aug. 27, 2023.

Throughout the Lehigh Valley, he was a mainstay in Fire Rescue, EMS, Special Operations, 911 Communications and MERT.

His wealth of knowledge to handle emergency situations will be sorely missed

He was also co-owner of M&J Outdoor Services LLP.

Born in Fountain Hill to Paul D. and Pauline C. (Young) Kalynych of Bethlehem, he is also survived by his sons Andrew and Dylan Kalynych, along with their mother, Jacquelyn M. (Heller) Kalynych, and his significant other, Jennifer L. (Beck) Steitz, with whom he resided; sister Rebecca Ahner and her husband, David; grandfather Kenneth W. Young; and an expected blessing due in October; two nieces; his aunt; uncles; and a host of extended family.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother Pearl Young and paternal grandparents Paul and Mary Kalynych.

Honored by First Responders from around the Region, his family will receive guests beginning at approximately at 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Pavilion of Polk Valley Park, 2068 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown, PA 18055.

Parking for personal vehicles will be in the lower parking areas, with shuttle service provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 or at msfocus.org in support of his mother, or The Burn Prevention Network, 1275 Glenlivet Drive, Suite 100-628, Allentown, PA 18106 or at burnprevention.org.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home, Whitehall.