Richard R. “Dick” Richards

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Richard R. “Dick” Richards, 95, of Williams Township, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 4, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born:  on July 22, 1916 in Easton, he was the son of the late Roy and Irene Krueger Richards.

Personal: His wife of 67 years, the former Betty J. Worley, died in 2009.  Dick retired from Taylor Wharton Company where he was a crane operator for 20 years.  Previously he worked for the former Easton Car & Construction. He was a 1935 graduate of Easton High School.  An Army veteran of WWII, he was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement serving with Company C, 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division. Dick served as a Williams Township supervisor from 1950-1956.  He was an avid hunter and was well known in the area for his fruit orchard and gardens. Dick also enjoyed traveling.

Memberships: Dick was a member of First Baptist Church, Phillipsburg, where he had served on the Deacon Board.  He was a charter member of the Williams Township Fire Co. #1, a member of Rice Ebner American Legion Post #588, the Lehigh Valley Chapter Veterans of Battle of Bulge and the National Rifle Association.

Survivors: two daughters, Linda A. Richards of Nazareth and Kathleen Pond of Morris Plains, NJ, two sons, Richard and his wife, Lorraine of Denver, CO and Robert and his wife, Barbara of Placerville, CA, two grandsons, Kyle and Daniel Richards, three granddaughters, Elizabeth Richards, Kristin and Laura Pond and a brother, Arnold of Easton.  He was preceded in death by two sons, Brian and David, two brothers, Edward and Lloyd and a sister, Thelma Smith.

Services: Will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 9, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough.  Call Thursday 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LV Chapter Veterans of Battle of Bulge c/o Lionel Adda, 5692 Burning Tree Lane, Macungie, PA 18062 or Rice Ebner American Legion Post #588, 423 Davis St., Easton, PA 18042.

Richard J. Heimbach, Sr.

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Richard J. Heimbach, Sr., 76, of Easton, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 in New Eastwood.

Born: May 22, 1935, in Allentown, he was a son of the late Raymond and Bernadine Stauffer Heimbach.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Arlene Keller, celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on June 16, 2011.  Richard retired from the City of Easton, Water Works, where he worked for over 20 years.  He had also worked for the former Transogram and was a bartender at the Order of Fleas for 20 years. He was an avid Phillies fan and enjoyed bowling.

Memberships: Richard was a life member of Order of Fleas.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Arlene, he is survived by twin sons, Richard J. Jr. and his wife Audrey, of Bethlehem and Rick and his wife Loraine, of Wilson Borough; three brothers, Raymond Heimbach, Jr. and Henry Nemeth, both of Florida, and Albert Heimbach, of Palmer Township; a sister, Nancy Norton, of Forks Township; and two granddaughters, Kimberly and Arianna Heimbach. He was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Heimbach and five sisters, Jean Stull, Betty Williams, Carol Gross, Kay Lahr and Rosemarie Heimbach.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 9, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough. Call Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Shelly Jo Burns

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Shelly Jo Burns, 52, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia.

Born: December 6, 1959, in Easton, she was a daughter of Lyle and Joyce Messinger Burns, of Williams Township.

Personal: Shelly Jo graduated from Wilson High School.

Memberships: She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hellertown Congregation.

Survivors: In addition to her parents she is survived by three brothers, Michael, of Bethlehem, Jeffery and his wife Dorene, of Easton and Gregory and his wife Randa, of Kittery, ME, nieces and nephew, Jillian, Chayse and Bella.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, in Kingdom Hall, 2550 Applebutter Road, Hellertown. Arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton.

Memorials: May be made to Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2550 Applebutter Road, Hellertown, PA 18055.

Lorraine R. Williams

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Lorraine R. Williams, 78, of Easton, passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: October 20, 1933, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Rose Hoffmeier Schwar.

Personal: Her husband, Molbro G. Williams, died November 4, 1983.  Lorraine graduated from Easton High School Class of 1952 and attended Bethlehem Business School. She was a loving mother.

Survivors: a daughter, Victoria J. “Vicky” Williams, of Crosby, TX; a sister, Carol Weisel, of Sun City, FL and two nieces, Wendy and Brenda.

Services: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s New Cemetery.

Jean E. Mundrane

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Jean E. Mundrane, 74, of Forks Township, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: July 1, 1937, in Rahway, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Mary Gondich Burnett.

Personal: Her husband, Richard J. Mundrane, died October 23, 1987. She was retired from Lehigh Valley Childcare, College Hill, Easton, where she was an assistant teacher for 20 years.  Jean graduated from Woodbridge High School. She enjoyed gardening, reading, dancing and movies.

Memberships: Jean was an active member of St. Rocco’s Catholic Church.

Survivors: three sons, Richard L. and his wife Mary Frances, of Libertyville, IL, Michael R. and his wife Cristina, of Walnut Creek, CA and Steven W. and his companion Yvonne Martin, of Coplay; two daughters, Patricia R. Weis and her husband Tim, of Plainfield Township and Catherine J. Wells and her husband Mark, of Saylorsburg; a brother, Leo Burnett, a sister, Carol Porter, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her companion, Robert Mulkern.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday in St. Rocco’s Catholic Church, 6658 School Street, Martins Creek.  The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough is in charge of arrangements.  Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Rocco’s Catholic Church, 6658 School St., P.O. Box 421, Martins Creek, PA 18063.

Craig M. Austin

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Craig M. Austin, 57, of Palmer Township, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in Gracedale.

Born: March 26, 1954, in Wilkes Barre, PA, he was a son of the late Gilbert D. and June Day Austin.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Debra M. Altmann, celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary on July 30, 2011.  Craig was last employed by Nestle Waters. Previously he worked for MCS Plastics for 18 years.  He graduated from Easton Area High School in 1972.  Craig enjoyed golfing, woodworking and building things.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Debra, he is survived by two sons, Joshua J., of Bethlehem Township and Zachary T. and his wife Alicia, of West Easton; a daughter, Elizabeth A., at home; a brother, Thomas D., of Norristown, PA; a sister, Amy E. Halloran and her husband Steve, of Exeter, NH; a brother-in-law, Christian Altmann and his wife, Catherine, of Palmer Township; three sisters-in-law, Paula Kirkland, of Easton, Karla Altmann, of Northampton and Vickie Austin, of Palmer Township; a soon to be born grandson, Thomas Patrick; nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Gilbert David Austin.

Services: A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11th in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Call Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for the benefit of Elizabeth c/o the funeral home, 2101 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Margaret C. Hirko

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Margaret C. Hirko, 81, formerly of Palmer Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in VNA of St. Luke’s Hospice House.

Born: March 9, 1930 in Mahanoy City, PA, she was a daughter of the late Phillip and Margaret Starkey Roos.

Personal: Her husband of 52 years, Edward J. Hirko, died February 8, 2003. Margaret retired in 1990 from Easton Hospital, where she was employed as a nurse for 42 years.  She was a 1950 graduate of Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing. Margaret enjoyed collecting dolls.

Memberships: She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. She had been a member of the former St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Survivors: a son, Edward M. Hirko and his wife Jean, of Palmer Township; a brother, Joseph Roos, of Hatfield, PA; three grandchildren, Jennifer Rosa, Christina Sysko and Erica Montes; and five great-grandchildren, Corbin Rosa, Zack and Kira Sysko, and Alex and Jacob Montes.  A son, John D. Hirko, died in 2008, a grandson, John D. Hirko, Jr., died in 1997, and a sister, Frances Smith, died earlier.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, FEbruary 3, in St. Bernard’s Oratory, 132 S. Fifth St., Easton. Burial in Holy Saviour Cemetery. The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Hospice of St. Luke’s, 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Catherine J. “Kitty” Metz

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Catherine J. “Kitty” Metz, 90, formerly of Easton, passed away, Monday January 30, 2012, in Gracedale.

Born: October 19, 1921, in Easton, she was a daughter to the late William E. and Marion Cameron Huff.

Personal: Her husband, Robert H. Metz, who was police chief of Riegelsville and sergeant of Easton Police Department for 20 years, died February 27, 1974. Kitty was last employed by Rite-Aid of Easton. She was a 1939 graduate of Easton High School. Kitty was active with the Easton Area High School Band Boosters, The South Side Senior Citizens, The Harlan House Association, and was a past Girl Scout leader.  She was also a volunteer for the Share Program of Easton Neighborhood Center.

Memberships: She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Riegelsville.  Kitty was a member and past president of the Castel Di Lucio Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of Riegelsville Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and a former member of the Easton Emergency Squad Ladies Auxiliary.  Years ago, she was a member and past president of Webster School PTA.

Survivors: three daughters, Barbara J. Bare and her husband Kenneth, of Riegelsville, Bette J. Buist and her husband Thomas Jr., of Upper Mt. Bethel, and Bonnie L. Zellner, of Coplay, PA;  a brother, Robert Huff, of Palmer Township; a sister, Helen Litzenberger, of Palmer Township; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  A grandson, Robert Knauss, two brothers, William “Bud” and Harry Huff, and three sisters, Ruth Evans, M. Iona and Margaret Huff, died earlier.

Services: Were held Thursday, February 2, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough.  Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine. 

William J. “Will” Thompson

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William J. “Will” Thompson, 46, of Wilson Borough, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at his home.

Born: October 14, 1965, in Flemington, NJ, he was a son of William M. Thompson, with whom he resided and the late Cheryl Rehrig Thompson.

Personal: He worked in construction as a union laborer.  Will enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Memberships: He was a member of Twin Rivers.

Survivors: In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife, the former Debra Huber, a son, William M., a daughter, Paige S. and a sister, Dawn Holcombe, all of Easton, a niece, Tori Saltsman, nephews, Casey and Bryan Saltsman, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services: Friends may called Thursday, February 2, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for the benefit of his children c/o the funeral home, 2101 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Eric G. Case

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Eric G. Case, 58, of Wilson Borough, passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: October 23, 1953, in Easton, he was a son of Ethel Wilma Gurinko Case, of Wilson Borough and the late Ellsworth Guy Case.

Personal: He graduated from Wilson High School Class of 1971.  Eric loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson.

Survivors: In addition to his mother, Ethel, he is survived by two daughters, Nicole E. Case and Holly A. Case, both of Pen Argyl; a sister, Cheryl L. Lennox, of Wilson Borough and a grandson, Malachi Case.

Services: Were held Thursday, February 2, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: May be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Ste. 1010, Rockville, MD 20852-3915 or American Heart Association, 212 East Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Walter E. Dodwell

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Walter E. Dodwell, 85, of Pen Argyl, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: September 28, 1926, in Easton, he was a son of the late Walter T. and Ethel Haas Dodwell.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Eleanore Pope, celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on September 12, 2011. Walter retired from Mack Printing Company, where he was employed for 32 years. He was a 1944 graduate of Easton High School.  Walter served with the Navy during World War II.

Memberships: Walter was a member of the Lester W. Pfeffer American Legion Post 611, Wilson Borough.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Eleanore, he is survived by family.

Services: Private services will be held under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough.  Burial will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042.

Mary A. Alpaugh

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Mary A. Alpaugh, 102, formerly of Bangor, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012 in ManorCare, Palmer Township.

Born: March 3, 1909, in Lithuania, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Maryonna Gailis Getz.

Personal: She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Mekolites and her second husband Pat Lorenzo.  Mary retired from Hunterdon Developmental Center.  She enjoyed crocheting and knitting.  Mary was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors: a daughter, Darlene A. Reed, of Wilson Borough and a son, Raymond Lorenzo and his wife Carol, of Mississippi; 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren , 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services: Were held on Tuesday, January 31, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Burial in St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery.

Miaraim E. Mallen

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Miriam E. Mallen, 66, of Palmer Township, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012, in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.

Born: April 6, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late Patrick and Hazel Trundy Farrell.

Personal: She and her husband, Frederick, celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on April 1, 2011.  Years ago Miriam worked for Ingersoll Rand Company.

Memberships: She was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.

Survivors: In addition to her husband, Frederick, she is survived by two daughters, Michele M. Freer and her husband William, of Forks Township and Tammy J. Hein and her husband Christian, of Coplay; a brother, Robert G. Farrell, of Easton; three grandchildren, Sean and Meghan Freer and Hailey Hein. Two brothers, John and Reuben Farrell and a sister, Celeste Melin, died earlier.

Services: Were held Wednesday, February 1, from the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Palmer Township. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Eva A. Kichline

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Eva A. Kichline, 95, formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012 in Easton Nursing Center.

Born:  February 10, 1916 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Wilmer and Mary Beam Hummer.

Personal:  She retired from L & D Sportswear.  Years ago, she worked for the former Dixie Cup Company.

Survivors: a daughter, Eva S., of Phillipsburg, NJ, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by a son, Frederick Jr., two daughters, Jane Wolf, who died January 13, 2012 and Mary Slingland, two sisters, Anna Trauger and Helen Hess and a great-great-granddaughter, Rebecca Wolf.

Services: Were held Friday, January 27, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick Street, Easton.  Burial in Hay’s Cemetery.

Robert Charles Starke

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Robert Charles Starke, 67, of Easton, MD, formerly of Easton, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 20, 2012.

Born:   September 12, 1944, he was a son of the late Albert and Annette Starke.

Personal: Bob and his wife, the former Julia Alice Merwarth, would have celebrated their 46th anniversary on February 10th.  He graduated from Easton Area High School, Class of 1962, and attended University of Delaware, where he was one of the founding brothers of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. The original group of fraternity brothers has remained so much a part of his life since then. He served with the Army in Vietnam. Bob was an industrial engineer for Chrysler at the Newark, DE plant.  In 1970, he returned to Easton, PA to join the family business of Upstream Farm, operating the dairy plant for many years. He was a Prudential Financial Representative, in Bethlehem, before retiring with disabilities.  He also enjoyed boating, woodworking, and traveling. Bob dearly loved his family and friends, and, in turn, was loved by all.

Memberships: Bob was active in his church, serving on the church council, choir and other committees.  He is a former member of the Musical Arts Chorus, several local associations and the American Legion.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Julia, he is survived by three daughters, Julianne Schmidt of Poulsbo, WA, Tonya DeFelice and her husband, Matthew, of Easton, MD, and Alisa Wrazien of Stroudsburg, PA; five grandchildren; and two brothers, Richard and John, both of Easton, PA.

Services: A memorial service was held Thursday, January 26, in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry Street, Easton, PA 18042, with interment to follow in Hay’s Cemetery.  Local arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton, PA.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to LiveStrong foundation (livestrong.org), the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org), the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), or a donation of blood or money to your local blood bank.

Lisa Rose

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Lisa Rose, 41, of Wilson Borough, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Born: July 28, 1970, in Wilson Borough, she was a daughter of Penny Rose, of Wilson Borough and the late Robert R. Reed.

Personal: She had been employed by SuperValu.  Lisa graduated from Easton Area High School Class of 1988.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and shopping.

Survivors: In addition to her mother, she is survived by her maternal grandmother, Helen Rose, of Easton; a niece whom she raised, Zaria Rose; a sister, Ramona Rose, of Long Island, NY; four half-brothers, David, Kelly and Darren Reed and Danny Glover; three half-sisters, Cathia Posey, Robin Reed and Kim Ellison; other nieces and nephews including Mae-Lynn Hankerson, J’son and Jazmin Johnson, a goddaughter, Khe’lee Rose, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services: Friends called Saturday, January 21, in the Lester W. Pfeffer, American Legion Post 611, 429 S. 16th Street, Wilson Borough. Arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough.

Memorials: May be made to the family c/o the funeral home, 2101 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Jane E. Wolf

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Jane E. Wolf, 74, formerly of the Easton area, passed away Friday, January 13, 2012 in Gracedale.

Born: March 18, 1937, in Easton, she was a daughter of Eva A. Hummer Kichline, of Easton and the late Frederick Kichline, Sr.

Personal: Her husband, Ronald B. Wolf, died December 7, 1970. Jane graduated from Easton High School.

Memberships: She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Easton.

Survivors: In addition to her mother, she is survived by a son, Walter Wolf and a daughter, Carol Wolf-Smith, both of Bethlehem; a sister, Eva S. Kichline, of Phillipsburg, NJ; six grandchildren, Melissa Harrison, Charleene Avalon, Walter Wolf, Jr., Laura, Tom and Travis Smith and three great-grandchildren, Hannah and Eric Boyer and Solei Rodriguez..  She was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Kichline, a sister Mary Slingland and a great-granddaughter, Rebecca Wolf.

Services: Were held January 17, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough.  Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: May be made to the family c/o the funeral home, Easton, PA 18042.

Janice E. Cook

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Janice E. Cook, 46, of Pen Argyl, formerly of Wilson Borough, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at her daughter’s home in Easton.

Born: July 8, 1965, in Alameda, CA, she was a daughter of the late Howard C. Sr. and Doris J. Remaly Cook.

Personal: She was employed as a waitress and cosmetologist.  Janice graduated from Pen Argyl High School and Empire Beauty School. She was a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient. Janice enjoyed arts and crafts.

Survivors: a son, Joseph H. Cook, of Pen Argyl; a daughter, Elaina A. Brice and her husband Leonard, of Easton; a brother, Howard C. Cook, Jr. and his wife Roselyn, of Hanover Township; a sister, Lee Ann Wyant and her husband Rick of Lower Mt. Bethel Township; two grandchildren, 4 year old, Ruby and Roman, who was just born on Tuesday, January 10; nieces Erin Cook, Alesha Ambrose and Courtney Cook.

Services: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 65 East Elizabeth Ave., Ste. 502, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Walter E. Beam

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Walter E. Beam, 99, formerly of Easton, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Gracedale.

Born: February 8, 1912, in Bucksville, PA, he was a son of the late Aaron and Rose Beam.

Personal: Walter retired as a self-employed accountant. He graduated from the former Churchman’s Business School and served with the Army Air Corps during WWII.  Walter enjoyed hunting, trap and skeet shooting.

Memberships: He was of the Catholic faith.

Survivors: a brother, Clarence Beam, of Thompson, PA; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Free and Stella Beam and four brothers, William, Charles, Harold and an infant, John Claude Beam.

Services: Were held Saturday, January 14, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton.  Burial in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Haycock Run.

Steven J. Buss

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Steven J. Buss, 51, of Harmony Township, NJ, passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 in Palmer Township.

Born: March 31, 1960, in Beaufort, SC, he was a son of Carriebelle Hoskin Buss, of Palmer Township and the late Herbert Buss.

Personal: He was last employed by General Supply Company, Bethlehem Township.  Previously he worked for Luciano Packaging, Bridgewater, NJ.  Steve graduated from Easton Area High School Class of 1978.  He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed spending time at the shore on his boat.  Steve also enjoyed helping others.

Memberships: He was a member of Wilson Boro Republican Club and Palmer Volunteer Fire Co. #2, Wilson Borough.

Survivors: his wife, Dara Rossi, three brothers, Herbert , Jr., David and Timothy and a sister, Loreen “Lori” Loiacono, all of Palmer Township, nieces and nephews.

Services: A memorial service was held Thursday, January 12, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042.

Margaret “Peggy” Pope Heller

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Margaret “Peggy” (Pope) Heller, 85, of 139 W. St. Joseph St., Easton, died early Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Gracedale, the Northampton County nursing home. Her death came seven days after the passing of her husband, Roland.

Born: She was born on June 27, 1926, in Wilkes-Barre, a daughter of William Henry and Mary Jane Pope. On Sept. 4, 1948, she and Roland married at South Presbyterian Church, Easton.

Personal: Margaret’s father labored in the coal mines of Luzerne County, and she often spoke of her childhood in the Coal Region with affection. Her family moved to Easton shortly before World War II, and she graduated from Easton High School. She worked for a time at the Dixie Cup factory in Wilson. When her children grew older, she worked as a clerk at Orr’s department store in Easton until the store closed in 1993. Later, she and Roland took up flea marketing, often going to the Horst Auction in Ephrata to buy merchandise. She enjoyed playing shuffleboard with her friends from the Rice-Ebner Legion Post, traveling, especially to Bass Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada, and the New Jersey shore, playing the slot machines at the casinos and reading. She loved to swim, had a quick and truly funny sense of humor, a generous nature and a fine singing voice. Margaret was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, whose joy in life came from her measureless love of her family. Everything she did reflected that love. She would spend hours at the ironing board, sometimes singing softly with the radio, making certain her children were presentable for at least part of the day, and she found no greater pleasure than reading to a grandchild on her knee.

Survivors: Margaret is survived by two sons, Gary Roland and his wife, Michele Kennedy Heller, of Sunbury, and Mark Roland, of Easton; five grandchildren, Owen Heller and his fiancée, Kelly Bastek, of Annville, Andrew Heller and his wife, Sky, of Milford, Maine, and Emily, Samuel and Wm. Wren Heller, of Bangor. She is also survived by sisters Mary James, of Allentown, and Eleanor Dodwell, of the Easton area, and a brother, Richard Pope, of Pittsburgh, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brothers William Leonard, who was killed in France during World War II, and James “Lefty” Pope, and a sister Ruth Bowman.

Services: A memorial service for Margaret and Roland will be held later, at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton.

James E. Anderson

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James E. Anderson, 74, of Easton, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012 at his home.

Born: June 12, 1937, in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Edward G. Jr. and Julia M. Nemeth Anderson.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Eileen Walz, celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on September 29, 2011. Jim retired from Dixie Cup Co., where he was employed for 29 years. He was a 1955 graduate of Phillipsburg High School and served with the Air Force. Jim loved his family, especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting, trains, and attending car shows with his 1979 Trans Am.

Memberships: He was a life member of Citizens Hose Co.  He was a member of Order of Fleas, Inc., Safety First Volunteer Fire Co., Easton Fish & Game, National Rifle Association, Phillipsburg Railroad Historians and Hugh Moore Historical Park & Museums. Years ago, he was a scout leader and active with Boy Scout Troop 6 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Survivors: in addition to his wife, Eileen, he is survived by three sons, David and his wife Bobbi-Jo, of Troy, PA, Dale, of Canton, PA, and Daniel and his wife, Stephanie, of Pen Argyl; a brother, Frank J. and his wife, Patricia, of Forks Township; three grandchildren, Amanda, Mitchell and Seth; nieces and nephews, Theresa, Terrence, Dillon, Deanne and Kathleen.

Services: Were held Thursday, January 12, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton.  Burial in Fairmount Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Minsi Trails Council, PO Box 20624, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002.

Gilbert David Austin

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Gilbert David Austin, 67, of Palmer Township, passed away Friday, January 6, 2012 in VNA of St. Luke’s Hospice House.

Born: September 14, 1944 in Wilkes Barre, PA, he was a son of the late Gilbert D. and June Day Austin.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Vickie K. Hughes, celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on May 15, 2011. Dave served his machinist apprenticeship at Bethlehem Steel, worked as plant superintendent at Mack Trucks and was employed by various other local businesses.  He was owner and operator of the former Austin’s Orchard, Forks Township. He was a 1963 graduate of Easton Area High School. Dave loved the outdoors, fishing and traveling, including many cruises and trips to visit friends.  He also enjoyed tennis and softball.  He was a recipient of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) which he received in August 2009 at Thomas Jefferson Hospital.

Survivors: in addition to his wife, Vickie, he is survived by a daughter, Lori L. Fetter, of Albrightsville, PA; a son, Scott D. and his wife Niki, of Palmer Township; two brothers, Thomas D., of Norristown, and Craig M. and his wife, Debbie, of Palmer Township; a sister, Amy E. Halloran and her husband, Steve, of Exeter, NH; four beloved grandchildren, Victoria and Luke Fetter, and Alexandria and Niko Austin; nieces and nephews.

Services: A memorial service was held Saturday, January 14, in Salem Lutheran Church, 537 High Street, Bethlehem.  The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough, is in charge of arrangements.

Frank R. Spencer

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Frank R. Spencer, 82, of Williams Township, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: September 7, 1929 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Thomas E. and Anna N. Stocker Spencer.

Personal: His wife of 59 years, the former Shirley H. Christian, died June 4, 2009.  He retired from Ingersoll Rand Co., where he was employed for 45 years.  Frank enjoyed taking cruises to Bermuda.

Memberships: He was a life member of Citizens Hose Co. and Liberty Hose Co.

Survivors: a daughter, Patricia A. Chambers and her husband, James F. III, of Whitehall; a brother, Melvin, of Phillipsburg, NJ; two grandchildren, Michele Prayner and Michael Wooten; nieces and nephews, including Mary Ann Stopp and Daniel Heintzelman; and his companion, Joan Cabrera, of Easton. He was predeceased by six brothers and sisters.

Services: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton.  Burial will be in South Easton Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042.

Patricia A. Jones

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Patricia A. Jones, 68, of Palmer Township, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at her home.

Born: March 16, 1943, in Burlington, VT, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Irene Baker Tourville.

Personal: She and her husband, Roger B. Jones, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on July 9, 2011. Pat had been employed by Zeus Industrial Products, Raritan, NJ, for 12 years. She enjoyed crafts, bowling and golfing.

Memberships: Pat was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church.

Survivors: In addition to her husband Roger, she is survived by two sons, James P. Jones and his wife Beth, of New Brunswick, NJ and Anthony B. Jones and his wife Christine, of Glen Gardner, NJ; three daughters, Deborah L. Rusek and her husband Steve, of Wind Gap, Cynthia M. Snyder and her husband Steve, of Belvidere, NJ and Tammy Sue Keelen and her husband Joseph, of Bath; four brothers, Norman Troville, of California, Frank Tourville, Sr., of South Carolina, Donald Tourville, of Easton and Charles Tourville, Jr., of Vermont; a sister, Shirley Martin, of Vermont and ten grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry and Virgil Tourville and a sister, Leola Santor.

Services: Were held Monday, January 9, in Calvary United Methodist Church, 4411 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA 18045.  The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough is in charge of arrangements. Entombment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials:   May be made to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Place, Suite 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Angeline T. Castronuova

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Angeline T. Castronuova, 89, of Easton, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: March 6, 1922, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Carmelina Abate Palmisano.

Personal:   Her husband of 50 years, Joseph T. Castronuova, died February 27, 1996.  She retired in 1975 from JoAnn Dress Company. Angeline graduated from Easton High School Class of 1940.  She had been a volunteer at the Crayola Factory receiving an award for Volunteer of the Year.

Memberships: Angeline was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and its Mother Cabrini Society and H.E.A.D.  She had been a member of the former St. Mary’s Ladies Workshop.  She was also a member of the former I.L.G.W.U. now UNITE and an active member of the South Side Senior Center.

Survivors: A son, Thomas J. Castronuova and his wife Susan, of Easton; a daughter, Bess C. Embardino, of Wilson Borough and her companion, Joseph Pumleye, of High Bridge, NJ; two sisters, Felicia Hajdu, of Phillipsburg, NJ and Sara Picone, of Wilson Borough; four grandchildren, Aaron J. Carty, Joseph T. Castronuova, Christopher J.Embardino and David Castronuova and two great-grandchildren, Chasity and Bradley Carty.

Services: Were held Saturday, January 7, from the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 9th & Lehigh Streets, Easton. Burial in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Memorials: May be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial/Honor Program, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Roland Cyrus “Dutch” Heller

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Roland Cyrus “Dutch” Heller, 85, a lifelong resident of Easton, died early Monday in Easton Hospital after an extended illness.

Born: Nov. 7, 1926 in Easton to May and Sankey Heller.

Personal: He left Easton High School to join the Navy during World War II and served on the USS Vicksburg during the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. On Sept. 4, 1948, he married Margaret “Peggy” Pope in the South Presbyterian Church, Easton.  During his early working life, he was employed at the Pennsylvania Salt Co., Mack Printing Co., Bond Baking Co. and Prudential Insurance. He spent most of his working years with the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk in the Easton and Lehigh Valley post offices. He also operated a successful house painting business for many years until his retirement. He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, a strong but gentle man who always made time for his family, although he frequently worked long hours. He was a lifelong learner, who enjoyed reading about the sciences. He loved to travel and particularly liked Bass Lake in Ontario, Canada, where he fished for smallmouth bass. He was a staunch Democrat, a former union steward and enjoyed talking politics. He had a warm and ready smile, particularly for those he loved.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Mark Roland, of Easton, and Gary Roland, husband of Michele Kennedy Heller, of Sunbury; five grandchildren, Owen Heller and his fiancée, Kelly Bastek, of Annville, and Andrew Heller and his wife, Sky, of Milford, Maine, Emily, Samuel and Wm. Wren Heller, all of Bangor; and a brother, Sankey, of Easton. He was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Hitzel and Leila Newman, and three brothers, Jack, William and Dimick.

Services: A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Debra Ann Rabenold

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Debra Ann Rabenold, 57, of Easton, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2011 in Sacred Heart Hospital.

Born: November 20, 1954, in Easton, she was a daughter of Patricia Rufe Mucklin, of Wilson Borough and the late Robert Mucklin.

Personal: She and her husband, Walter G. Rabenold, celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on November 17, 2011.  Debra was a supervisor at Magnetic Windings where she was employed for 38 years.  She had attended Easton Area High School. Debra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes.

Memberships: She was a member of New Creation United Church of Christ. She had been a member of the former St. Mark’s United Church of Christ.  Debra was also a member of the ladies auxiliary of the Safety First Volunteer Fire Co. and Wilson Democratic Association. She had been a Girl Scout leader for ten years.

Survivors: in addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by a son, Walter A. and his wife Dana, of Wilson Borough; three daughters, Crystal Kuder and her husband Steven, of Wilson Borough, Tiffany Rabenold and her companion Eric Lloyd, of Newark, DE and Tanya Terrell and her husband Adrian, of Easton; three brothers, Robert Mucklin, of Sun City, FL, Jeff and Gregory Mucklin, both of Easton; two sisters, Tammi Fisher, of Wilson Borough and Tina Nicoletta, of Palmer Township; nine grandchildren, Arianna, Jayzin, Hans, Logan, Jack, Alaina, Garrick, Adrian Jr. and Cloe, and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alison.

Services: Were held Wednesday, January 4, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Burial Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Ruth S. Vivian

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Ruth S. Vivian, 87, of Palmer Township, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2011 in Old Orchard Health Care Center.

Born: July 27, 1924, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late William Claire and Viola Moyer Leauber.

Personal: Her husband of 47 years, Edward C. Vivian, died May 8, 1998. She was retired as a registered nurse, working part-time for many years at Easton Hospital.  Ruth graduated from Easton High School Class of 1942 and Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, Philadelphia.  She was a nurse to all her friends and family.  Ruth enjoyed quilting and feeding birds in her backyard.

Memberships: Ruth was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the bell choir.  She was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township.

Survivors: a son, James A. Vivian, at home; a daughter, Diane V. Jensen, of Blairstown, NJ; a brother, William Claire Leauber, Jr., of Harrisburg and two granddaughters, Kristin and Bree Ann Jensen. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Franklin Leauber.

Services: Were held Tuesday, January 3, in Calvary United Methodist Church, 4411 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.  There are no calling hours. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church (memo: memorial fund), 4411 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020.

Daisy Galimore

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Daisy Galimore, 84, of Allentown, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.

Born: April 22, 1927, in Augusta, GA, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Fannie Sills Jones.

Personal: Her husband, Theodore, died April 16, 2005.  She retired from St. Regis Paper Company, Buffalo, NY.

Survivors: a daughter, Shirley A. Galimore, of Catasauqua, a grandson, Marvin Galimore and a great-grandson, Darnel. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Paul and Norman Jones and six sisters, Edna M. Stone, Elizabeth “Betty” Brown, Fannie Williams, Annie Swint, Lillian Weaver and Marie Harper.

Services: Were held Wednesday, January 4, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton.  Burial in Hay’s Cemetery.

Roberta H.”Bobbie” Youngkin

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Roberta H. “Bobbie” Youngkin, 90, formerly of Bangor and Easton, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011 in Morning Star Manor, Pen Argyl.

Born: September 26, 1921, in Harrisburg, PA, she was a daughter of the late Osville K. and Leah E. Hangen Dennis.  She was a step-daughter of the late Lydia E. Dennis.

Personal: Her husband, the late Robert E. Youngkin, died October 8, 1968. Bobbie was a receptionist for the late Dr. Norman Reiter, Easton, for 12 years. She graduated from Bangor High School Class of 1939. Bobbie enjoyed sewing, doing puzzles and watching sports.

Memberships: She was a member of the former St. John’s United Church of Christ, Bangor, and a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Easton. Bobbie was a former den mother for Cub Scout Pack 6 at St. Paul’s.

Survivors: a son, James L. and his wife Debora, of Palmer Township; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Youngkin, of Port St. Lucie, FL, six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a son, Dennis R. Youngkin, on November 18, 2010, a brother, Richard Dennis, a step-brother, William Hay, and a step-sister, Marjorie Speer.

Services: Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in Hay’s Cemetery.  Arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 610 W. Berwick St., Easton, PA 18042.

Anna M. Trauger

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Anna M. Trauger, 85, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011 at her home.

Born: January 6, 1926, in Easton, PA, she was a daughter of the late Wilmer and Mary Beam Hummer.

Personal: Her husband, the late Paul Trauger, Jr., died December 20, 1987.  Anna retired from Georgia Pacific of Forks Township where she worked for 19 years.  She enjoyed reading, shopping and working in her yard. Anna was of the Lutheran Faith.

Survivors: three sons, John and James Dailey, both of Phillipsburg and Warren Trauger, of New Jersey; a daughter, Jacqueline Trauger Frable and her fiancé Robert Senick, with whom she resided; a sister, Eva A. Kichline, of Easton; nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.  An infant son, Paul Trauger III, three brothers, Andrew Sr., Victor and Stewart Hummer and a sister, Helen J. Hess, all died earlier.

Services: Call Thursday, December 29, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick Street, Easton, followed by services.  Burial in Hay’s Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860.

Wanda Banko

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Wanda Banko, 91, formerly of Bath and Wilson Borough, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2011 in Gracedale.

Born: January 18, 1920, in Wilson Borough, she was a daughter of the late Amzie and Catherine Elwine Plattenburg.

Personal: Her husband of 51 years, Arthur W. Banko, Jr., died May 18, 1993.  She was retired from the former Mack Printing Company and was previously employed by the United States Postal Service.  Wanda graduated from Wilson High School.

Survivors: She is survived by a son, Gary Banko and his wife Angelika, of Phoenix, MD and two granddaughters, Monica Meehan, of Santa Fe, NM and Amanda Banko, of Salem, OR.

Services: Private graveside services will be held in Northampton Memorial Shrine under the direction of the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough.

Thomas J. “Tiger’ Piorkowski

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Thomas J. “Tiger” Piorkowski, 84, of Easton, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011 in Easton Hospital.

Born: December 29, 1926, in Forest City, PA, he was a son of the late Anthony and Josephine Franckiewicz Piorkowski.

Personal: His wife, the former Elizabeth Heeley Piorkowski, died December 26, 2000.  Thomas retired from PPL.  After retirement he worked part time for Jeff’s Automotive for twenty two years. He was a loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren , great-grandchildren and great-great grandsons. Thomas served with the Navy during WWII and the Army during the Korean War.  He was of the Catholic faith.

Memberships: He was a member of The Golden Age Club, Brown & Lynch American Legion Post 9, Order of Fleas and Citizens Hose Company.

Survivors: two brothers, Monsignor Stanley Piorkowski, of Scranton and Frank Piorkowski and his wife Rose Marie of Childs, PA; a sister, Sister Josepha Piorkowski, of Plymouth, PA; two grandchildren, Diane Schleig and her husband Edward, of Forks Township and Richard Yetter, Jr., of Easton; four great-grandchildren, Stephanie Altner, Richard Yetter III, Stephen Schleig and Suzanne Schleig, four great-great-grandsons, Derek and Tyler Altner, Colton and Wyatt Yetter and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by two step-sons, Richard Yetter, Sr. and Harold Yetter, six brothers, Walter Boryszewski, Chester, Charles, Edward, Joseph and Constance Piorkowski and three sisters, Stella Connors, Martha Chesnick and Helen Sofka.

Services: Were held Thursday, December 22, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2928 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial/Honor Program, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142,

George Rambo, Sr.

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George Rambo, Sr., 84, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Easton, passed away Friday, December 16, 2011 in the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville, NC.

Born: November 14, 1927, he was a son of the late George and Louise Rambo.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Pauline Hitzel, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on April 7, 2011.  Mr. Rambo retired from Pfizer after over 50 years of service.  He was a graduate of Easton High School in 1946 and attended Lafayette College where his studies were interrupted to enlist in the Army.  Mr. Rambo was in the Army Signal Corps and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan.  He served during the Korean War. He enjoyed hiking and skiing which he often combined taking his children on hiking trips during the summer to Mount Washington where they skied in Tuckerman’s Ravine.  He also enjoyed trout and steelhead fishing trips and fall hunting with his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Rambo were fond of water sports and hosted the family and visitors on Lake Norman, NC with their sports cabin cruiser.  Mr. Rambo often played golf at the Mallard Country Club.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, Pauline, he is survived by two sons, George, Jr. of Rumford, Maine, and Paul and his wife, Janice of Joppatowne, MD; two daughters, Susann Rambo-French and husband, George, of Fairfax, VA and Kimberly of Fairfax, VA; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Rambo.

Services: Were held Wednesday, December 21, in Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough.  Burial in Easton Cemetery.

Debra Ann Jarrell

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Debra Ann Jarrell, 58, of Forks Township, passed away Monday, December 12, 2011 at her home.

Born: August 20, 1953, in Easton, she was a daughter of Edith E. Faust Stem, of Forks Township and the late Douglas C. Stem.

Personal: She and her husband, Kenton G. Jarrell, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2011.  Debra was a tax preparer for H & R Block for 19 years. She graduated from Easton High School Class of 1971. Debra loved her family.  She enjoyed camping, swimming, scuba diving, reading and ice cream.

Memberships: She was a member of Christian Missionary Alliance, Phillipsburg.  Debra was a former president of the Forks P.T.A. and served as the president of Easton High School P.T.A. in 1993. She loved children and was camp director of Brainard’s Presbyterian Camp for a number of years and a former Sunday school teacher at College Hill Presbyterian Church.

Survivors: In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by two sons, Mark D. and his wife Abigail, of Drexel Hill, PA and Steven C. and his wife Amy-Ann, of Allentown; a brother, Douglas J. Stem, of Forks Township; a sister, Valerie M. Miller, of Lower Nazareth Township; a maternal grandmother, Edith Oswald, of Forks Township, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Breiner.

Services: Were held Friday, December 16, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough. Burial in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Fl., NY, NY 10001.

Marie Rose “Rosie” Heath

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Marie Rose “Rosie” Heath, 88, of Wilson Borough, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011, in New Eastwood.

Born: November 24, 1923, in Marseille, France, she was a daughter of the late Honore Durande and Therese Fouques Durande.

Personal: Rosie was employed by Easton Hospital, where she worked for over 20 years. She was of the Catholic faith. Rosie enjoyed gardening.

Survivors: a nephew, Jean-Claude Durande, of France.

Services: Graveside services were held Thursday, December 15, in Gethsemane Cemetery, William Penn Highway, Palmer Township. Arrangements are by the Strunk Funeral Home, Wilson Borough.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Hector P. Medina, Sr.

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Hector P. Medina, Sr., 70, of West Easton, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Easton Hospital.

Born: March 25, 1941 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Serafin and Herminia Sanabria Medina.

Personal: He and his wife, the former Sonia Cartagena, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 21, 2011. Hector had last worked for Mobil Chemical, Hackettstown, NJ.  He served with the U.S. Navy.

Survivors: in addition to his wife Sonia, he is survived by two sons, Hector Jr. and his fiancée Heather Anema, of Bethlehem Township and Antonio Cartagena, Sr., of Bethlehem; three brothers, Nicholas, of Bethlehem, Raymond, of Florida, and William, of Easton; two sisters, Heriberta Rosario, of Florida, and Generosa Medina, of Allentown; five grandchildren, Ashley, Ariel and Christian Medina,       Antonio Jr. and Monica Cartagena.

Services: Were held Monday, December 12, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Burial in Gethsemane Cemetery.

Richard R. “Dick” Hildebrand, Sr.

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Richard R. “Dick” Hildebrand, Sr., 71, of Cherryville, PA, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Inpatient Hospice Unit.

Born: October 18, 1940 in Allentown, he was a son of the late Christian and Zelda Glass Hildebrand. 

Personal: He and his wife, Susan Roth Hildebrand, celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on July 6, 2011. Dick had been the general manager of Robby Sue Sportswear, Slatington.  He was last employed by Sunset Family Restaurant, Kresgeville. He served with the U.S. Navy.  Dick enjoyed bowling and was in three different leagues.

Memberships: He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Cherryville. The family would like to thank Pastor Jami, “We would not have made it without you”.

Survivors: in addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by a son, Richard R. Jr. and his wife, Christine, and their daughter Ashley, all of Walnutport; two daughters, Lori Hildebrand, of Northampton and Kris Weiss and her husband Michael, of Bethlehem Township, PA; and a sister, Sandra Cherry and her husband Robert, of Walnutport. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his in-laws, Lionel and Ruth Roth.

Services: A memorial service was held Friday, December 9, in Hope Lutheran Church, 4131 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville, PA 18035.  The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Easton, PA is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials: The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the church.

Alberta M. Craig

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Alberta M. Craig, 81, formerly of Easton, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2011, in Easton Hospital.

Born: September 12, 1930, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Firman and Margaret Ivey Vinson.

Personal: Alberta was employed by the Easton Area School District, where she worked for over 28 years.  She was a 1948 graduate of Easton High School.

Memberships: Alberta was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Survivors: a son, Scott and his wife Evelyn, of Easton; a brother, Frederick Vinson, of Easton; a sister, Karleen Keeler, of Belvidere, NJ; two grandchildren, Alex and Laura, nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a son, Robert Craig.

Services: Were held Saturday, December 10, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 West Berwick St., Easton.  Burial in Hay’s Cemetery.

Memorials: may be made to the church, 400 W. Berwick St., Easton, PA 18042.

Austin Roberto Flores

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Austin Roberto Flores, 20, of Forks Township, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 in St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born: August 11, 1991 in Queens, NY, he was a son of Adolfo and Debra Paige Flores, with whom he resided.

Personal: He was a 2009 graduate of Easton Area High School and attended Northampton Community College where he was studying criminal justice.  Austin worked part-time at CVS in Forks Township and as a waiter at Northampton Country Club.  He enjoyed sports, especially basketball, clothing and spending time with his family and friends.

Memberships: He was a member of Life Church, Allentown, where he helped with the Angel Food Ministry.

Survivors: In addition to his parents, Adolfo and Debra, he is survived by three sisters, Ashlynn, of Augusta, GA, Alizia and Amber, both at home; his cousin who was raised as a brother, Daniel Paige, at home; his maternal grandfather, James Paige, of Manhattan; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services: Were held Saturday, December 10, in Shiloh Chapel, 201 Brother Thomas Bright Ave., Easton.  Burial in Forks Cemetery. The Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson Borough, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials: May be made to the family, c/o the funeral home, 2101 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Joyce E. Engler

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Joyce E. Engler, 90, formerly of Palmer Township, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2011 in Gracedale.

Born: April 18, 1921, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Edna Beegle Geiger.

Personal: Her husband of 34 years, James C. Engler, died in 1982.  She retired as a dental assistant for Dr. Herbert Holland. Joyce graduated from Easton High School Class of 1939.  She was of the Lutheran faith.

Survivors: a daughter, Patricia L. Reagle and her husband Marty, of Palmer Township, a brother, Carl Geiger and his wife Theresa, of Palmer Township, a sister, Mary Jane Kalnas and her husband Dennis, of St. Augustine, FL, a sister-in-law, Doris Geiger, of Palmer Township, four grandchildren, James, Robert, David and Christopher Reagle, four great-grandchildren, Michael, Bryan, Tyler and Sara, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Jr. and Robert Geiger.

Services: Were held Thursday, December 8, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 2101 Northampton St., Wilson Borough.  Burial in St. James Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to VNA Hospice of St. Luke’s 1510 Valley Center Pkwy., Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Arlene R. “Annie” O’Brien

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Arlene R. “Annie” O’Brien, 93, formerly of Easton, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011, in Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem.

Born: November 12, 1918, in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Irvin D. and Rose M. Whale Keener.

Personal: Her husband, William E. O’Brien, died earlier.  Annie was last employed by the Easton Area School District, where she worked in the cafeteria at the middle school. Prior to that, she was employed by the former Transogram for 27 years. She was a 1936 graduate of Easton High School. Annie loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She also enjoyed doing crafts and playing cards, board games, baseball and badminton.

Memberships: She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Easton Emergency Squad Auxiliary.

Survivors: A daughter, Carolyn R. O’Brien, of Laurys Station, PA; two sons, William E., Jr. and his wife Sheila and John E., both of Easton; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great- grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by two grandchildren, two brothers, Sherwood and Sterling Keener and a sister, Alice May Ball.

Services: Were held Tuesday, December 6, in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 West Berwick St., Easton.  Burial in South Easton Cemetery.

Memorials: May be made to The Easton Home Charitable Care Fund, 1022 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 18042.