Ray R. Diehl, 80, of Hellertown died Thursday, November 13, 2008 at his residence. He is the husband of Doris H. (Hower) Diehl.

Born in Hellertown on February 27, 1928, he is the son of the late George and Mary (Breisch) Diehl. Ray worked for 43 years at the Bethlehem Steel beginning in the Real Estate Department, in the Engineering Division of the Bethlehem Plant and later as an Assistant Superintendent of Construction. In 1966 Ray moved to Bethlehem Steel Corporation and was transferred to Planning and Budget Control as a Consultant Engineer. In 1985 he was named Program Manager in Maintenance Services until his retirement in 1992. He was a graduate of Moravian College in 1951. Ray served his country honorably during World War II in the US Navy. He is a lifetime member of First United Church of Christ, Hellertown, served many terms on its Consistory, a charter member of the Church's Bequest Committee and was on its Building Committee; Past Worshipful Master of the former Hellertown F.& A.M. Lodge 563; Bethlehem F.& A.M. Lodge 283; Lehigh Consistory, Valley of Allentown; Rajah Temple, Reading; Volunteered over 10 years at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill. Ray was a former Hellertown Cub Master; Assistant Scout Master 319, Hellertown; and Merit Badge Examiner for Minsi Trail Council.

Survivors: In addition to his loving wife of 57 years; Son: Mark D. of The Woodlands, TX; Daughter: Gretchen D. wife of Robert N. Lukens of Harleysville; Sisters: (2)Aileen D. Werner of Hellertown and Jane wife of Richard Clay of Fountain Hill; and 2 Grandchildren: Rebecca and Dean Lukens. Predeceased by a brother Neil.

Services: Family and friends are invited to call 10 - 11 a.m. Tuesday followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. at the church, 501 Northampton St. Hellertown with the Rev. Richard L. Teitsworth officiating. The interment will conclude services at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. The Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church 18055, and Shriner's Hospital for Children, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886.