Ryan M. Nestor

Ryan M. Nestor, 43, of Kunkletown, formerly of Slatington, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026, after a year-long battle with cancer, peacefully at home. Born in Allentown on December 17, 1982, he was the son of Edward M. and Jodi F. (Goodman) Nestor. Ryan graduated from St. John Neumann School in 1995, and then from Northern Lehigh High School in 2001, where he was on the cross-country team.

He was a member of Cub Scout pack 58, and Boy Scout troop 58, and earned his Eagle Scout in August 2000. Ryan enlisted in the US Air Force National Guard and completed basic training in 2007. He was a member of the PA Air National Guard 201st Red Horse Squadron of Willow Grove, PA. Most recently, Ryan worked for Giant Food Stores, Walnutport, as a lead receiver. Prior to that, he worked at Redner's Markets in Northampton, A.F. Boyer Hardware, Slatington, Meisner Heating & AC, and as a repair technician for Inweld Group. Following his time with Inweld, he operated his own repair business, Metal Welder Repair Co. His love of nature began with his first job working with Grant White at Whites Tree Farm. An outdoor enthusiast, Ryan loved skiing at Blue and in Vermont, backpacking the Appalachian Trail, and fishing the Delaware with his father. He also loved fishing, camping, and hiking at Lake Wallenpaupack during annual vacations with his cousins. Ryan especially enjoyed hiking Glen Onoko Falls and, just this past winter, hiked the Glen Onoko ice falls. Ryan’s trip to Niagara Falls after his diagnosis marked the beginning of his journey toward acceptance and appreciation of each day. He also enjoyed reading, video games, creating bonsai trees, playing guitar, and listening to all types of music. Ryan was an altar boy and a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, Ryan is survived by a brother, Adam Nestor, as well as aunts, uncles & cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 649 W. Washington St, Slatington. Family and friends may visit with the family from 10 to 11am at church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ryan’s memory can be made to either Lehigh Gap Nature Center or Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, both c/o the funeral home. Harding Funeral Home, Slatington has been entrusted with Ryan’s arrangements.