Bethlehem Funeral Director Justin Keiper Named 2025 Runner-Up for Funeral Director of the Year by American Funeral Director Magazine
Bethlehem, PA — November 2025 — Local funeral director and community leader Justin Keiper, Funeral Director and Supervisor for Cantelmi Funeral Homes, has been recognized by American Funeral Director magazine as a 2025 Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up.
Each year, the long-standing industry publication honors funeral professionals who exemplify compassion, innovation, and leadership in serving families and their communities. Keiper’s recognition highlights his dedication to modernizing funeral care, supporting grieving families, and strengthening community connections throughout the Lehigh Valley.
“I’m truly humbled and grateful for this recognition,” said Keiper. “It’s an incredible honor to be named among so many talented and passionate professionals. I love what I do and feel so fortunate to serve our community every day — walking with families through some of the hardest moments of their lives and helping them find comfort, meaning, and healing.”
Keiper began his journey in funeral service at age 15, inspired by the loss of his great-grandmother. After graduating from Liberty High School and Northampton Community College’s Funeral Service Education program, he was hired at Long Funeral Home in January 2015, prior to his graduation from mortuary school.
Later that same year, in July 2015, the Cantelmi family purchased Long Funeral Home, officially joining the Cantelmi legacy. Keiper has remained with the firm ever since, proudly celebrating his 10-year anniversary in 2025. His leadership, compassion, and creativity have helped shape the funeral homes’ continued focus on personalized, meaningful services and community engagement.
In addition to his work as a funeral director, Keiper is deeply involved in the community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association – Lehigh Valley and Berks Region, where he is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards of Dream Come True, Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, and Fountain Hill Cemetery. Keiper also helped launch a local grief support group through the Cancer Support Community, offering vital emotional resources to individuals and families coping with loss.
Awards & Honors
Keiper’s dedication and leadership have been recognized through several distinguished honors, including:
- 2025 Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up – American Funeral Director magazine
- 2025 Exceptional Leadership Award – American Heart Association
- 2025 Forty Under 40 Honoree – Lehigh Valley Business
- 2023 Heart of Gold Award – American Heart Association
“This recognition from American Funeral Director reflects the values of our entire team at Cantelmi Funeral Homes,” Keiper added. “We take pride in serving our community with dignity, compassion, and care — and I’m honored to represent Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley funeral service profession through this honor.”
About Cantelmi Funeral Homes
Founded in 1928, Cantelmi Funeral Homes have proudly served the Lehigh Valley community for nearly a century. With locations in Bethlehem and Fountain Hill, the funeral homes provide a full range of services including traditional funerals, cremation options, preplanning, and grief support. Known for their compassionate approach and deep community roots, the Cantelmi family and their dedicated staff continue to help families honor their loved ones with dignity, care, and personalized attention.
Information provided to TVL by:
Cantelmi Funeral Homes
