Former longtime Carbon County Sheriff Dwight Nothstein passed away Monday at the age of 72.

The Lehighton native was the county’s sheriff for 20 years, retiring in 2016.

“I was sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing,” said Robert Crampsie, former county controller. “I had the honor and privilege of serving with Dwight from day one of his tenure as Carbon County sheriff. He was a dedicated, hard working public official who was very proud to be able to serve the people of Carbon County.

“In addition to his role as sheriff, I also served with him on the Carbon County Prison Board, where his leadership as president of the board enabled us to run a safe and secure prison facility. He will be missed. Kathy and I pass our condolences to his wife, Orpha, and family.”

Nothstein’s career with the county began in 1985 at the prison on Broadway in Jim Thorpe. A year later, he was appointed to a deputy position in the sheriff’s office.

Nothstein then began training and graduated from the National Sheriff’s Institute in 1996, the same year he was elected to his first term as sheriff.

During his tenure as sheriff, Nothstein was active in many court operations, as well as organizations, including the National Sheriff’s Association, Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Fourth County Fireman’s Association, Lehigh Fire Company No. 1, Mahoning Valley Fire Company, Bowmanstown Fire Company, Lehighton American Legion Post 314, Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club and Lehighton Boy Scout Troop No. 145.

He also served as chairman of the Carbon County Prison Board, a Democratic Committeeman in the Second Ward Lehighton, and as chairman of the Lehighton Democratic Club.

“I’ll always remember Dwight for his passion for the job,” former Carbon County Commissioner William O’Gurek said.

“He was the first to arrive at the courthouse in the mornings and he was the last to leave. He knew the job and duties of a sheriff and worked hard every day to make sure those responsibilities were met.

“Besides that, he was a people person. Anyone who remembers Dwight will remember how hard he campaigned, and that’s because he loved meeting people. It showed too in election returns as he was always the top vote-getter in elections.

“Siobhan and I offer our condolences to his wife, Orpha, and their family on the loss of a great man.”

In addition to his commitment to the county, Nothstein, a U.S. Navy veteran, was an active volunteer for most of his life.

He was an Eagle Scout and founded Troop 145 in 1980. He served on the Lehighton Ambulance, with the Lehighton Fire Department, as well as served 10 years as a White Water Rescue Instructor for the Pennsylvania Fish Commission.

Nothstein is survived by his wife, Orpha; two sons, Christopher and Douglas; three brothers and four sisters.

A complete obituary is on Page 4.