When it comes to helping people say goodbye, Justin Keiper might just be the best in the business. The American Funeral Director magazine has named him the 2025 Runner-Up for Funeral Director of the Year.
Keiper, who serves as Funeral Director and Supervisor for Cantelmi Funeral Homes, earned the honor for his compassion, leadership, and commitment to bringing warmth and modern care to one of life’s hardest moments.
“I love what I do,” Keiper said. “It’s about helping families find comfort and meaning, even when everything feels impossible.”
Keiper’s career began early, inspired by the loss of his great-grandmother at just 15. After graduating from Liberty High School and Northampton Community College’s Funeral Service Education program, he joined Long Funeral Home in 2015, which later became part of Cantelmi Funeral Homes. Ten years later, he’s helped shape the firm’s focus on personalized, community-centered service.
Outside the funeral home, Keiper is a familiar name across the Lehigh Valley. He has served on the boards of the American Heart Association, Dream Come True, Cancer Support Community, Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, and Fountain Hill Cemetery. He also helped launch a local grief support group to assist families coping with loss.
His list of recent honors includes:
-
2025 Exceptional Leadership Award – American Heart Association
-
2025 Forty Under 40 Honoree – Lehigh Valley Business
-
2023 Heart of Gold Award – American Heart Association
“This recognition reflects the values of our entire team at Cantelmi Funeral Homes,” Keiper said. “We take pride in serving our community with dignity and care.”
For nearly a century, Cantelmi Funeral Homes has served Bethlehem and Fountain Hill with deep compassion, tradition, and community spirit, qualities Keiper continues to embody every day.
Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com


