Jay P. Spangler, 65, of Emmaus, died Oct. 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. He was the loving husband and best friend of Beverly A. (Lehman) Spangler with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Donald and Virginia (Higinbotham) Spangler-Hirsch and stepfather Dr. Eugene Hirsch.

He graduated from Blue Mountain High School in 1976 where he played football and soccer.

For several years, he worked as a draftsman and welder in Pittsburgh. He next worked as a printing press operator for R.R. Donnelley for the last 35 years.

He followed all three major Pittsburgh teams, Emmaus High School football and Indy car racing. He assisted coaching several of his children’s sports teams as they were growing up. He enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was proud to complete all PA and NJ sections along with several others from the surrounding states. He was the proud parent of two Eagle Scouts.

In his free time, he loved spending vacations in North Carolina, reading, tending to his fish ponds, playing his guitar and attending concerts. His dedication to his family and his commitment to be present in their lives was his greatest affirmation of love.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Valery and her husband, Scott Lower; son, Mason; son, Jayson and his wife, Fiana; grandchildren, Kilian, Evelynn, Livinia; sister, Kitty; brother, Christopher and his wife, Leslie; nephews, Sam and Adam.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Appalachian Trail Conservancy at appalachiantrail.org or Faith Church, 6528 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 18106.

Funeral services will be held noon Oct. 11 in Faith Church, 6528 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 18106. A viewing will be held 10 a.m. to noon. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.