Michael P. Szalaj, 35, passed away suddenly on December 30, 2016 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Born in Trenton, he was raised and had lived in Allentown, NJ prior to moving to Marlton 10 years ago. He was a graduate of Allentown High School Class of 1999 and later graduated from the State University of New York at Cobleskill with a degree in Fishery and Wildlife Management. He worked as a Conservation Officer with the Department of Environmental Protection and was a member of the NJ State PBA. He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing and dog training. He was a wonderful father and loved teaching and sharing his outdoor passions with his young daughter.

Predeceased by his mother Valerie Szalaj, he is survived by his father, Wladislau "Lad" Szalaj of Allentown, his beloved wife of 8 years, Irene Szalaj and his daughter Gemma Valerie Szalaj of Marlton, his sister, Laura Elizabeth Westendorf and her husband Michael of East Windsor and many dear friends.

Funeral Services will be 11 am Thursday, January 5 at the Allentown Presbyterian Church, 20 High St, Allentown, NJ. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St, Allentown, NJ and again on Thursday morning from 10 am until time of service at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family asked that everyone please consider being an organ donor to better help those in need.