Edward Kenneth Whitby died peacefully Oct. 18, 2023, after several battles with various cancers.

Born on July 26, 1939, in Pottstown, he was the son of the late Helen (Achatz) Knopf and stepfather Stephen Knopf, and the loving husband of Judith (Umstead) Whitby.

He served in the U.S. Army’s 319th Battalion for three years and graduated from the Army Defense Language Institute.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Russian from Penn State in 1967, later receiving his teaching certification through the university.

In 1968, he began his professional career with the Parkland School District as a teacher at the former Troxell Junior High.

He became assistant principal of the former Springhouse Junior High, now middle school, when it opened in 1970.

He earned a Master’s degree in Russian from Lehigh University.

He retired in 2000 as an assistant principal at Parkland High School.

He deeply valued his students and his positive impact on their lives was evident as he ran into former students all around the country.

He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, South Whitehall, for 55 years.

For 25 years he loved beach vacations with his entire family.

An avid reader, a huge Penn State football fan, he loved talking with everyone he met in their native language.

He and his wife were married in 1962 and shared 61 wonderful years together.

He treasured his family and took great pride in all of them.

In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by children Jen Garland and her husband, Pete, Steve Whitby and his wife, Tami, and David Whitby and his wife, Colleen; grandchildren, Ben and his wife, Ali, Katie, Jon, Abby, Meghan, Talia, Wren and Elliott; and extended family members and cherished friends.

Contributions may be made to the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank at allentownfoodbank.org or 417 N. 14th St., Allentown, PA., 18102, where he joyfully volunteered for years.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memories for the family may be shared at brubakerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home, Catasauqua.