He was a stalwart in the Northern Lehigh community who was passionate about what he believed in.

A loving husband and father, Paul Gass, 68, of Slatington, died on Jan. 19.

Married to Michelle Raber Gass since April 27, 1991, Paul’s family said he would go out of his way to make people feel comfortable.

“Paul made you feel welcome at any event, especially if he didn’t know you,” they said. “He was the life of the party, giving, dependable, unique, jokester, prankster, and would drop anything to help anyone.”

His family said he was the No. 1 fan of the couple’s eight grandchildren at their events, and was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

But it was when it came to his community that Paul’s unwavering dedication shined brightest.

“Paul loved helping make the Northern Lehigh area better than he found it in December 1991, when he moved here (with his wife Michelle),” his family said. “The Northern Lehigh area was a priority, nonstop commitment, his pride and joy and his dream to improve our area.”

Along with Michelle, Paul was a founding member and president of the Northern Lehigh Community Center, and was also a member of the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority.

“From the inception of the NLCC in 1997, Paul was always helping behind the scenes by fundraising, setting up and tearing down events, building the Haunted Woods, building the floats, duck races,” his family said. When Leon Rodenbach stepped down as president, Gass stepped in.

Michelle, who taught in the Northern Lehigh School District, would often come home to tell Paul how the youth of their town - especially those not involved in the mainstream sports - needed a safe place to have recreation, like a Y or Boys & Girls club or rec center. The seniors also needed a place to have recreation.

In November, the Lehigh County Commissioners - with then Commissioner Marc Grammes of Washington Township - voted to take over the building and complete it.

“If the NLCC will come to fruition under Lehigh County, then Paul’s dream will be fulfilled,” his family said.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he served from 1972-1978. He worked as a diesel technician for Ryder Truck Rental from 1982-2015. Following his retirement from Ryder, Gass worked as a bus driver for CLIU, and Brandywine Transportation.

A member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Slatington, he served on church council and was instrumental with the Building & Property Committees.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, woodworker, and enjoyed golfing, biking, kayaking, and boat rides on his pontoon, “Splendid Red.” Gass loved Halloween and building the Haunted Woods at the Walnutport Canal and the Haunted House at the Wessner’s.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 40 S. Second St. Family and friends may pay their respects from 8:30-11 a.m. at Harding Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington. The funeral service will also be livestreamed on Zoom. Contact Paul’s granddaughter, Makayla at 02Makaylafaith@gmail.com.