Obituary

Halden Ames Warner, of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved deeply. He was 61 years old.

Born on July 30, 1964, in Geneva, Ohio, Hal was the son of Richard Warner Jr. and the late Beverly Warner. He attended high school in Auburn, AL, and Greenville, NC, and later continued his education at the Florida Institute of Technology. From an early age, Hal carried within him a determination that would define the rest of his life — an unshakable resolve to meet hardship head-on and move forward with purpose, humor, and heart.

Hal believed deeply in discipline, perseverance, and the responsibility we have to one another. He took his health seriously throughout his life, especially in his formative years. In a time when physical limitations would have undone the enthusiasm for exercise and sport in others, he acted as if the only way out was through. On the other side of his time in a wheelchair, he became an avid runner and gym-goer, viewing physical wellness as a way of showing up fully for himself so he could do the same for the people he cared about.

He was a romantic, a curious conversationalist, and a family man. At every gathering, he showed deliberate interest in how everyone was doing, what they had or wanted to accomplish, and how proud of them he was. He put people first — wanting to hear their story before telling his. And Hal had a gift for storytelling. Whether teaching, inspiring, mentoring colleagues, coaching young athletes, or writing grants that brought ambitious community projects to life, he understood that stories move people toward action and compassion.

After both had raised their children and built stellar careers, Hal and Shellie found each other in 2018, having their first date three days after Valentine's Day. Within three weeks they were engaged on a snowy day, snowflakes swirling around them. By September they were wed in an intimate beach ceremony in South Carolina. Their lives together were filled with exceptional friends, adventures with their kids, and peaceful appreciation of the Seven Acre Wood with their animals both wild and domestic.

Hal's professional journey began in 1987 alongside his brother Richard at Pizza City USA, where the two built more than a successful local business — they built relationships and a community fixture. Hal later transitioned into nonprofit leadership as Wellness Director at the Goldsboro YMCA, where many first experienced his natural ability to lead, mentor, and motivate.

In 2006, Hal joined the YMCA of Greater Brandywine as Executive Director and Vice President of Social Responsibility, helping transform his branches into the highest-performing YMCAs in the state. His true professional passion became fundraising and development; he believed that, done with integrity, fundraising had the power to change entire communities.

That passion led Hal in 2016 to the Allentown Rescue Mission as Chief Development Officer, where he helped men across the Lehigh Valley rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. In September 2018, he became CEO of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society — combining his leadership experience with his lifelong love of animals into the most meaningful work of his career. He spearheaded major renovations at the Dixon St. shelter and helped raise the organization's save rate from 60% to 95%. His efforts earned him recognition as one of Lehigh Valley Style's Most Influential Men of 2025. His career was celebrated by family, friends, and colleagues on May 16th at the Humane Society's 2026 Garden Gala.

In his final months, he spoke often of a simple philosophy: "One good deed at a time." Those who knew him understood it was not just an idea — it was how he lived.

Hal is survived by his beloved wife, Michele Reid Warner; his father, Richard Warner Jr. and wife Frances; his brother Richard Warner III and wife Felicia; his sister Terri Joyner and husband Joey; his children Dylan Warner and wife Lauren, Cynnamon Warner and husband Danny Irwin, and Ryan Gray; his stepchildren Taylor Pany and husband Christopher Funk, Dylan Pany and wife Jenna, and Tucker Pany; his stepbrothers and stepsister Robert Blanchard, Whit Blanchard, and Elizabeth Hawkins; his cherished, giggly granddaughter, Laurel, daughter of Dylan and Lauren; and his dogs Oliver and Gabby and cats Lily, Zipper, Barbara, and Six. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Beverly Warner, and his mother, Lois Warner.

In honoring Hal's memory, his family hopes others will carry forward the principle he lived by so faithfully: "One good deed at a time."

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Lehigh Valley Humane Society — or adopt your new best friend for life.