Donald F. Peterson, 85, of Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, formerly of Macungie, died Feb. 21, 2025, at his residence. He was the husband of Rebecca A. (Hayes) Peterson to whom he was married 65 years. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Ersel C. and Theresa (Yannatell) Peterson.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during a peacetime era.

He met the love of his life, Becky, while stationed in Norfolk, Va. They raised three children while building and managing a refractory construction business, Lehigh Valley Refractories, Inc. Upon his retirement from LVR, they opened a successful Wyland art gallery in Avalon, N.J. and a second in South Street Seaport, N.Y.

He enjoyed travel and vacationing and saw many exotic parts of the world. He was an avid golfer and an enthusiastic investor and collector. However, the moments he loved the most were when he was surrounded by his large and energetic family.

He was a member of St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Pamela A. Wagner (David), of Fogelsville, Gary C. (Barbara), of Delaware, Audra L. Replogle (Robert), of Orefield; grandchildren, Adam (Emily), Brian (Caroline), Mark (Emily), Matthew (Chelsea), Haley (Luke), Michael, Eric (Lauren), Addison, Owen; great-grandchildren, Logan, Sophie, Margaret, George, Noah. He was predeceased by a brother, Ersel C. Jr.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. March 1 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 1 before the service.

Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancare.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Tunnel 2 Towers and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children all in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.