Stephen A. Justham, Ph. D.

Steve passed away early Sunday morning, October 21, 2012 as a result of complications from diabetes and heart disease.

Although Steve was born May 22, 1937, in New Kensington, PA to Alton and Margaret (Gall) Justham, in reality he arrived 300 years too late, possessing enormous and lasting curiosity in all people, places and things, as would any Renaissance Man.

An accomplished student and educator, Steve was forever inspired by the "spark of learning". As a career teacher he never awarded a test score of 100%, as nobody is perfect. When his meteorology students felt that failing a course ushered in the end of their world, Dr. Justham would say "don't let it get you down; I flunked out of Penn State", which he did. After Penn State, Steve served 4 years in the US Navy ("never aboard ship"), then earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees from IUP (Indiana, PA), and a Ph.D. from U. of Illinois.

After teaching at Ball State (Muncie, IN), Steve moved to Kutztown University first as a professor of geography, then chair of the geography department (1985-89), assistant provost (1989), vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the State System of Higher Education (1991-92), and co-chair of the System Faculty Professional Development Council. Most of all, Steve enjoyed the classroom.

Steve was passionate about higher education, but also loved travel, The History Channel, Pittsburgh Steelers, weather, musical theater, spicy foods, "spirits", Disney, Sinatra, bowling, gadgets, poker night, Dilbert, his dog Alex, and lively conversation with anyone at anytime on any subject.

Steve was an author, Royal Meteorological Society Fellow, member of St. Constantine Greek Orthodox Church, ultra light pilot, eclectic collector, hearty laugher, true friend and a devoted and loving husband.

In 1959, Steve fell in love with, and proposed to Marian Dutton. After an 18 month engagement, they separated for 37 years and finally reunited and married in 2001. True love can sometimes take a lifetime.

Steve is survived by his adoring wife, Marian J. Justham; daughters, Stacie L. Madden (James) of Lynnwood, WA; Amanda J. Sharpe of Mt. Lake Terrace, WA; twin daughters, Kristin M. Justham and Cheryl L. Justham, both of Staten Is., NY; son, Stephen A. Justham, Jr. of New Kingston, PA; and three grandchildren Jared Baley, Darian Sharpe and Alana Madden.

Memorial Service: 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 27, at Keller Funeral Homes, Inc., 1018 Church St., Fogelsville with the Rev. Joanne Marchetto officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 A.M. Private Interment.

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the American Diabetes Association, 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 502 Bethlehem, PA 18018; and/or American Heart Association Northeast PA District, 212 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18106.