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A resident of Bethlehem, Gohnathan attended Parkland High School and was employed at AF Contractors, his obituary says.
Gohnathan had a passion for music, cliff jumping, and making others smile. He was described as having a “heart of gold.”
Gohnathan leaves behind his loving mother, Wendy Heckman and her husband Michael; sister, Gabrielle Muthard; step-brother, Dustin Heckman; step-sister, Madison Heckman; maternal grandmother, Janet Apgar and her husband Revelle; paternal grandmother, Fran Alpaugh and her husband Craig; girlfriend Trinity Horvath, and numerous extended family members and close friends.
But this isn’t his heartbroken family’s first sudden and devastating loss — or even their second. On Wednesday, July 20, Gohnathan’s cousin, Justin T. Beers, died when the motorcycle he was riding crashed into another vehicle on the 4000 block of South Church St. in his hometown of Whitehall Township, DailyVoice.com reported. Beers was pronounced dead at the scene at just 24 years old.
Gohnathan was also predeceased by his five-year-old brother, Gavin Painter — affectionately called “Peanut Head” — who was struck and killed by an SUV in 2006, according to Gohnathan's obituary and several social media tributes that poured in for him:
“16 years ago we lost my nephew Gavin,” reads a tribute from Annette Oswald. “I didn’t think my heart could ever hurt like that again.”
“2 months ago we lost my nephew Justin. Our hearts broke in so many pieces. Everyone is still trying to heal from that..."
"Yesterday we lost my nephew Gohnathan Painter. Our hearts are completely shattered.”
Gohnathan’s funeral was held at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home in Bethlehem on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Donations can be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses via the obituary link.
“My brother and Wendy lost a son once before, and now they lost their other son Gohnny,” Oswald writes.
“Pray for my brother Geoff, Wendy, her husband Michael, Gohnny’s sister Elle, and their entire family, all their friends that love them like family…Pray for peace, understanding, and strength as the next few days and weeks will be unbearable for them. My heart hurts so much. Hug your babies…young and old.”
Click here to view the full obituary of Gohnathan Allen Painter.
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