SLATINGTON, Pa. — Slatington's former mayor of 20 years was fatally injured in a car crash, leaving a community in mourning and an open seat on its borough council.
Walter Niedermeyer, 81, died Friday at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill four days after a car crash, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio said in a news release.
Niedermeyer had been serving as Slatington Borough Council’s vice president at the time of his death. His term expires in 2027.
Council President David Schnaars said the vacancy would be announced at the next meeting on Monday, June 10. Council then would have 30 days to interview and appoint someone to fill the seat.
More information will be available on the borough’s website, Schnaars said.
Schnaars said the borough will do something to honor Niedermeyer, but he is not yet sure what it will be.
Niedermeyer was driving a car that crashed into a parked car at about 7 a.m. May 20 in the 200 block of Delaware Avenue in Palmerton.
The release said his cause of death was complications of blunt force injuries from the crash.
“In addition to the coroner's office, the Palmerton Police Department is also investigating,” the release stated.
Remembering Niedermeyer
Born in Allentown, Niedermeyer served in the Navy before becoming an Allentown firefighter, according to his obituary.
He was mayor of Slatington for 20 years and served on the borough council. He was a member of the Lions Club.
“He loved gardening, officiating weddings, spending time with his family, and was an avid cruiser,” the obituary reads.
“All around, I really appreciated the man and am very sad he’s passed away."Council President David Schnaars
Schnaars said Niedermeyer was “very active in the community” and worked to reach out to other local and county politicians.
“In the county, he more or less put us on the map,” Schnaars said.
Schnaars said Niedermeyer persuaded him to run for borough council and encouraged others to get more involved in the community.
“All around, I really appreciated the man and am very sad he’s passed away,” Schnaars said.
A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Weber Funeral Homes, at 502 Ridge Ave., Allentown, according to the obituary.
A second viewing will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until the service at 10 a.m. A burial with military honors will be at Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Allentown.
