John J. Kachmar Jr., of Bethlehem, died April 12, 2024.Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of Irene Kachmar.

He was an Eagle Scout in Post 6. He attended Notre Dame H.S.; spent a year in a Catholic seminary in Philadelphia, and then completed his studies at Notre Dame. After hi military service, he graduated from Moravian College.

He volunteered for the Marines and in the Vietnam War as a rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and several recognitions for valor.

He lead Manpower, a local job training organization. He was Chief of Staff for Congressman Don Ritter, representing the Lehigh Valley’s 15th Congressional District for a decade in Washington, D.C. He was the County Administrator of Lehigh County. He was the City Manager of Johns Creek outside of Atlanta, Georgia. He was a governmental issues consultant. He ran for mayor of Bethlehem in 2021.

He was a member of the International Cities and Counties Association for 28 years.

He attended St. Anne’s Church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his long-time partner Tracie Barnes; a son, Tim Kachmar; a daughter, Elizabeth Burkhard; a sister, Janice Miller; a brother, Larry Kachmar; six grandchildren, Nick, Devin and Maddie Kachmar and Jack, Charlie and Isaac Burkhard; and nieces and nephews including Robert, Larry Jr. and Sammy Kachmar, Ryan and Matt Miller and Caitlin Miller Harman.

Contributions may be made to the Robert Brandl Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tom O’Rourke, Paymaster Detachment 284, MCL, 4125 Salem Dr., Emmaus, PA 19049; or to the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council at https://lv-mac.org/contribute/

Arrangements were made by Cantelmi Long Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.