Benjamin R. Blattenberger

Benjamin R. "Dick" Blattenberger, 95, formerly of Allentown, died peacefully, Friday, February 27, 2026, in Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation, Allentown. He was the widower of June A. (Grim) Blattenberger, who died January 2, 2014. Born in Bedford, Bedford County, PA, Dick was a son of the late Harper Conrad and Bernice A. (Alexander) Sellinger. Dick was a former member of Grace E. C. Church, Kutztown, where he and his beloved wife, June, were married in 1953.

Dick graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1948. He went onto study at Lycoming Community College, Williamsport, after which he transferred to Kutztown State Teachers College, now Kutztown University. He left prior to completing his coursework to enlist in the United States Air Force, following his basic training at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, NY, Dick was assigned to Sandia Base at Albuquerque, NM. His assignment, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project (AFSWP), which was a continuation of the Manhattan Project, involved assembly of the Mk6 - Mod "0" atomic bomb. Dick's previous education and training enabled him to work as a technical illustrator and draftsman for the Hydrogen Bomb and other latest Top Secret weapons while stationed at Sandia Base. Dick received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his service, he returned to Kutztown State and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. He worked a short time in the early 1970's at Kutztown State.

Dick joined Lieberman-Appalucci Advertising, Allentown, where he worked from 1956 to 1991 as a commercial artist and Art Director. Following his retirement he worked as a school bus driver for Laidlaw.

Dick most enjoyed bluegrass music and taught himself to play the Dobro resonator guitar. He played with several local bands and lastly, with "The Kings Countrymen" from 1972 to 1974, a gospel bluegrass band. They produced seven LP record albums and played mostly throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states. He received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" presented to him by the Greater Lehigh Valley Bluegrass Festival.

Dick is survived by his children: Lucinda K. Blattenberger, Fleetwood; Dale R., husband of Jane (Emery) Blattenberger, Allentown; and Robin L. (Blattenberger), wife of, Daniel Slifer, Emmaus. In addition to his parents and wife, June, Dick was predeceased by a sister Jean Shettel.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate Dick's life will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Union Cemetery of Bowers, 64 Old Bowers Road, Bowers, PA 19511, with The Reverend Rick Reilly, officiating. There are no public viewing or calling hours.

The family requests contributions be considered in Dick's memory to Human Society of Lehigh County, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103, or Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Dick's obituary tribute page at www.ludwickfh.com