ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The City of Allentown is mourning after the death of a longtime community leader.
City Controller Jeff Glazier died on Tuesday night.
Now, his colleagues are coming together to honor his legacy, in his many roles serving the community over the decades.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk ordered all flags on city-owned property to fly at half-staff to remember Glazier’s passing.
Community leaders said it’s been a tough day, and while they mourn, they’re also taking the time to reflect and remember.
Allentown Controller Jeff Glazier with Allentown City Council members Candida Affa and Santo Napoli. Photo courtesy of City of Allentown
“Jeff loved music,” said Tuerk.
“Once in a while we’d just listen to records. He was an avid record guy,” said Santo Napoli, Allentown City Council President.
Slower tunes and heavy hearts are throbbing in the city.
“We lost a real one,” said Tuerk.
For Glazier, his consistent meticulous review of the city’s budget and finances wasn’t the only song on repeat.
His fellow colleagues are sharing their favorite notes and memories.
“You could interview dozens of people and everyone is going to say the same thing,” said Candida Affa, Allentown Councilwoman.
Affa said she worked alongside Glazier for a decade.
“He was a man of integrity,” Affa said.
Allentown City Clerk Mike Hanlon swears in Jeff Glazier. Photo courtesy of City of Allentown
Glazier was appointed controller in 2016 and was re-elected three times.
He previously served on the City Council and Allentown School Board.
Colleagues said serving the community was always at the forefront of his life.
“He was always watching out,” said Tuerk. “He was there for public service. He would come to City Hall with his dog, Artemis, and everybody on the third floor had a treat for Artemis, but they also just loved seeing Jeff.”
Napoli said Glazier left behind a legacy that will forever be cherished not only inside, but beyond City Council Chambers.
“A lot of colleagues today are struggling. And, we lost not just a colleague, but a friend,” said Napoli.
“I miss you, Jeff,” said Affa. “We all miss you.”
All Wednesday scheduled council meetings have been cancelled to allow members to grieve.
Napoli said they have rules that pertain to finding a new controller. The council will start visiting those guidelines to move forward, saying that is what Glazier would have wanted.