About Us

Staff bio goes here

A lifelong resident of Slatington, PA, Nate Horvath takes great pride in being the new steward of Harding Funeral Home. Born and raised here, the son of James and Kim Horvath, he graduated from Allentown Central Catholic in 2002. Answering a deep calling to serve his community, Nate pursued a career in funeral services, completing the Funeral Service Program and joining the Harding Funeral Home team in 2006.

Over the years, Nate has cultivated a profound understanding of the sensitive nature of loss and the importance of providing compassionate care during difficult times. As a licensed funeral director and past president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (EPFDA) in 2011 and 2019, he brings both experience and empathy to his role.

Nate's commitment extends beyond the walls of Harding Funeral Home. He is an active member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church, the Slatington Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He is also a former member of the Rotary Club of Slatington, demonstrating his dedication to enriching the lives of his neighbors.

When away from work, Nate cherishes moments spent with his wife and pets, finding balance in his love for travel, outdoor activities like golf, running and biking, and embracing the simple joys of small-town life. It's these passions and values that inform his genuine warmth and unwavering commitment to serving his community with integrity and compassion.

At Harding Funeral Home, Nate stands ready to guide families through loss with empathy, understanding, and a deep respect for the traditions and wishes of each individual. He welcomes you to reach out anytime to experience firsthand the care and dedication that define Harding Funeral Home under his leadership.

Born and raised in Shillington, Amber witnessed the transformative power of deathcare during her father's funeral, igniting a fire within that would guide her life’s path.  
Fueled by a deep empathy, Amber pursued a Psychology degree at Kutztown University, followed by an Associate's in Funeral Service Education from Northampton Community College.   It was amidst the hallowed hallways of Northampton that Amber met her future partner and fellow traveler, Nate, laying the foundation for a journey both personal and professional.   From Northampton and Whitehall to the quaint charm of Palmerton, Amber honed her skills, nurturing a deep connection with the communities she served.
 But it was the warmth of Slatington that truly resonated with Amber’s heart & spirit, leading her to put down roots.   As a continuous student of life, Amber furthered her passion for holistic living by earning a Master's in Integrative Health from Georgian Court University.   This pursuit of mindful well-being permeates Amber's work, creating a bridge between tradition and a generation embracing conscious choices.   As it bridges the gap between traditional deathcare and the needs of a generation embracing sustainability and mindful living.   She advocates for green burials and the death positive movement, fostering open conversations about death and loss.   But Amber’s dedication extends beyond the walls of the funeral home. As a full-time Assistant Professor of Funeral Service Education, Amber instills her passion in the next generation of Pennsylvania's funeral directors.
 Shaping young minds with the empathy and understanding needed to serve with integrity is a source of immense pride for Amber.   When not navigating the intricacies of coursework or guiding families through difficult journeys, Amber finds solace in the embrace of nature. You'll find her road biking along scenic trails, hiking through lush forests, fueling her body with nature's bounty, or simply purring in the company of her three feline companions, Nix, Nutz, and Nelly.   Faith plays a central role in Amber’s life, as evidenced by her service as a Eucharistic minister at Assumption BVM in Slatington.   For Amber, giving back to the community that holds her heart is an honor and a joy.
 Therefore, Amber stands before you not just as a skilled funeral director, but as a neighbor, a confidante, and an advocate for mindful living and deathcare practices.   Amber extends a hand, not just in times of sorrow, but also in celebration, ready to walk alongside you through life's inevitable transitions with grace and understanding.

Wesley " Wes" Beltz retired in 2020 with 37 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service.  He is married to Maria, they have two daughters, Allison and Laura.   He enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, camping in their travel trailer, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Rich has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 47 years now, and lives in North Catasauqua.   Their son, Anthony and his three children live in Concord, NC, and their daughter Alison and husband Brian and two children, live in Catasauqua, PA.   Rich retired for the United States Postal Service after 30 years of service in New York state.   He operated a local crematory here in PA for 13 years.   Rich started working with Harding Funeral home in 2018.  

Larry Merkle has lived in Walnutport his entire life.  He has been married to his wife Doneta for 55 years.  They have two sons and six grandchildren.  After graduating from Slatington High School in 1964, he began working at Bethlehem Steel.  Five years later, he took employment with Pfizer at their pigment plant in Slatington.  Retiring after 35 years of service from Pfizer in 2004, he began working for the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit transporting pre-school children and in 2012, started working as a funeral assiatnt for Harding Funeral Home.  Larry is active in his community.  He coached Booster Club Football, served on the Walnutprot Water and Sewer Authority, was a medical van volunteer for Northern Valley EMS, a trustee for the Walnutport Canal Association, and is a lifetime member of the Diamond Fire Company in Walnutport.   His is a super avid Penn State fan and loves to vacation to Disney World.

Craig has been married to his wife Susan for 45 years and has 2 children, Marc & Katie.  They have  5 wonderful grandchildren.  He obtained a degree from Bloomsburg University & then worked for 39 years at Air Products & Chemicals in research and development.  Craig retired in 2015 and has been working as a funeral assistant with Harding Funeral Home since 2016.

Brian is married to Cathy (Evans) Williams and has 3 children and 7 grandchildren.   He has a Masters in Ed., B.S Ed.  Brian is a member of St. John's UCC, Slatington.  He enjoys music, sports, family activities, and Welsh American hsitory.   Brian and his wife Cathy, reside in Schnecksville.