- Voters chose between Daniel Buglio and Dr. Joseph Zitarelli
- Buglio, a Democrat, was appointed coroner in April 2022 after working in the office for more than two decades
- The job will pay $87,700 in 2024
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio is taking over the office for good.
Buglio, a Democrat who was appointed to the post in April 2022, appeared to handily defeat Republican Dr. Joseph Zitarelli in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial county returns.
With just a few precincts left to report results, Buglio had nearly 57% of the vote to Zitarelli’s 43%.
"I’m excited and I’m grateful, honored and humbled," said Buglio, 50, of South Whitehall Township. "I’m glad that the voters trusted me and believed in me. That’s what I wanted to show from the beginning."
The four-year term will begin in January and pay $87,700 in 2024. The coroner is the county’s chief death investigator, working with law enforcement and on deaths unattended by a physician.
"I’m glad that the voters trusted me and believed in me. That’s what I wanted to show from the beginning."Daniel Buglio, Lehigh County coroner
Buglio said he wants to continue to modernize the coroner's office and continue in public service.
"I look forward to serving the residents of Lehigh County above and beyond, and the families that come in contact with us in the worst time," he said.
Buglio has worked in various jobs with the coroner’s office for more than 20 years and previously served as a part-time police officer in Slatington and Coplay.
This was the first contested coroner’s race in Lehigh County in more than 20 years.
Zitarelli is a physician at Grand View Wound Care Center in Sellersville. In their campaigns, both candidates touted their experience.
“I've devoted my whole life to public service,” Buglio told LehighValleyNews.com last month. “I've devoted it, specifically with the coroner's office, to helping people in need. That's what I do.”
