Vernon G. Altemose, Jr., 89, of Palmer Twp., PA, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA. Born August 23, 1932 in Forks Twp., PA, he was the son of the late Vernon G. Altemose, Sr. and Anna (Miller) Altemose, and stepson of Elda Stout Altemose.
A 1950 graduate of Nazareth High School and a 1954 graduate of Temple University in Business Administration, Vernon was a member of the Temple Honorary Accounting Society as well as Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as his fraternity’s treasurer during his years at Temple. He was an avid baseball, football, and basketball fan of the Temple Owls, The Philadelphia Eagles, and the old Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Athletics. Vernon was a partner in the accounting firms of Degan Messer and Co. and D.H. Messer and Co., serving as a Certified Public Accountant. For 30 years, Vernon also served as the accountant and treasurer of The Easton Home from 1957 – 1988.
Vernon served his community as a member of the Easton Lions Club for over 58 years, acting as treasurer for 40 years and as president in 1969. He was honored with the Lions Club’s highest and most prestigious award “Melvin Jones Award”. Additionally, along with his wife, Vernon was a member of and active in the life of St. Peter’s UCC, Tatamy, PA, having served as a deacon and elder for over 50 years and as treasurer for over 38 years. Other memberships included: The American Institute of CPA’s, The Pennsylvania Institute of CPA’s, lifetime member of the Pomfret Club, the Tatamy Fire Co., Junior Chamber of Commerce of Easton, Temple University Owl Club, and the F&AM Easton Lodge #152.
Vernon and his wife enjoyed traveling the country. His favorite place was Hilton Head Island, SC, which he visited with friends and family many, many times over the years. He took great pleasure in the beauty of the island, bicycling, walking the white, sand beaches, and local fine dining. Vernon also spent many hours zigzagging up and down the east coast, “chasing” down light houses, his wife’s passion. Vernon and his wife, the former Kathryn “Kitt” Engler, celebrated sixty-three years of marriage prior to her death in December 2017.
Vernon is survived by his four children and their spouses: Pam Valcante (husband, Gregory) of Gainesville, FL, Matthew Altemose(wife Bonnie) of Easton, Gregory Altemose (partner Kathy Haines) of Troy, MI, David Altemose (wife Rachelle) of Palmer Twp.; 14 grandchildren;10 great-grandchildren; and sisters: Marion Starner of Lancaster County and Frances Stoudt of Nazareth. He was preceded in death by his brother: Charles Altemose and sisters: Edith Powell and Alice Pristash.
A Memorial Service will be held April 2, 2022 at 11 AM in St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 401 Broad St., Tatamy, PA. A calling period with refreshments will be held from 9:30 to 11 AM in the church fellowship hall. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org/donate. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Sheldon & Carol Engler
February 26, 2022 at 6:41 pm
Dear Pam, Matt, Greg & Dave, Carol and I are saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. He truly made a difference in his world. We always enjoyed meeting at family events and the conversation that ensued. Uncle Vernon was a man’s man and I always expected his “firm” handshake; made me feel like he was glad to see me. And he was, I’m sure everyone else felt the same. He will be missed! Sheldon
Ed & Nanette Chladny
March 1, 2022 at 4:18 pm
To our dear cousins,
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved dad, our uncle Sonny! He was so very dear and much loved by all of us. We think of all the fabulous parties, picnics & family gatherings we had over the years ….such fun!! Uncle Sonny and aunt Kitty always made us feel loved and welcomed. Ed always said that his memories of his first meeting with uncle Sonny was at a family Christmas party….. Sonny made him immediately feel like he was a part of the family; uncle Sonny & aunt Kitty were always so hospitable and fun to be around. Our memories will live on forever of all those good times together! Our dear uncle will be greatly missed. We pray for his peace & joy in the arms of our Lord.
Ed & Nanette