John "Jack"Murtaugh

Jack, 85 yrs., a proud resident of the Lehigh Valley known for his remarkable deep humility and quiet compassion, has passed away, Oct 8, 2026. He spent his final days in the gentle care of the staff at Cedarbrook where he found comfort and peace.

In his youth, Jack was a graduate of Muhlenberg College, where he proudly took the field as a Halfback for the football team. He carried that same determination and grit throughout his entire life, earning a reputation among his employers as an exemplary, tireless worker. Over the years, Jack worked diligently walking door-to-door delivering clothing pick-up schedules, assisting at local voting polls to distribute candidate information, and serving as seasonal holiday help at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Breinigsville. Demonstrating his legendary independence, Jack frequently walked the 8.5 miles to get to his shifts at Amazon, just as he often walked to his medical appointments on Cedar Crest Boulevard or to the Weis grocery store.

He thoroughly enjoyed following the racing career of his cousin’s family horse, Arcangelo, who achieved historic victories including the Peter Pan Stakes (G3), Belmont Stakes (G1), and the Travers Stakes. Jack closely followed the news with each passing race, passionately cheering Arcangelo on from his home in Pennsylvania. When Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes to capture an American Triple Crown race, Jack was absolutely overjoyed. Following Arcangelo's retirement from racing to stand to a stud. Jack continued to find immense joy in reading the weekly updates about his post-racing life. One of his fondest moments was receiving a customized hat in the mail bearing Arcangelo’s name, a gift he treasured deeply.

Jack learned to live contentedly with only the very basic necessities of life, finding joy in simple pleasures. He was an avid reader who loved hunting for new books at local library sales and hunting for basic treasures at Goodwill. He spent his free time riding local transit to shop at the Walmart in Whitehall, always patiently waiting for his bus connections. Though he asked for little for himself, Jack had a big heart for the vulnerable; he spent many years feeding and caring for the neighborhood's feral cats. In his later years, he continued his love for animals by watching animal programs on television.

During his stay since February at Cedarbrook in Allentown, Jack deeply appreciated having his meals prepared for him and found comfort in his surroundings. His family and loved ones extend their deepest gratitude to the kind and caring staff on the second floor, who provided immense dignity, warmth, and reassurance as Jack transitioned into this final chapter of his journey.

Services will be held TO BE ANNOUNCED at a later date, at the Robert C Weir Funeral Home. 18th & Turner Sts., Allentown, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack's honor to a local animal shelter or feral cat rescue organization of your choice, celebrating his lifelong love for animals.