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Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA (2025)

09/05/2025

Celeste Roney, 77, of Bethlehem, died peacefully on September 3, 2025 surrounded by her children. Born in Detroit, MI she was the daughter of the late Charles and Maureen (Cunningham) Roney. Celeste was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and found much solace and grounding in her faith. She spent many years working for the Youthful You Program of the Lehigh Valley Health Network where she answered phones, scheduled massages, made lifelong friends and greeted everyone with warmth and kindness. She also spent her working days in advertising at WJBR in Detroit, as an aerobics instructor for the Jewish Community Center of Allentown and as a friendly, but no-nonsense bus driver for Northwestern Lehigh School District.
Raised in Detroit, Celeste lived for music. She was an avid participant in her drum circle class at Lutheran Manor. She sang and danced her way through life. And, in her later years, did so with a walker if she had to. She loved bird watching, road tripping and was the self-proclaimed #1 fan of Sir Paul McCartney. Her big blue eyes, and wide smile lit up a room and she was always the life of every party.
To say she will be missed would be the understatement of the century.
She is survived by her three children, Cynthia Ruckdeschel, Daniel John Ruckdeschel, Anne Marie Ruckdeschel; bonus daughter, Abby Feinstein; grandsons, Henry Daniel Feinstein and Murphy Charles Feinstein; sisters, Susan Roney Drennan and Marty Roney; niece, Maureen Drennan; and nephew, Paul Gagner. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Pellerito, Belle Henzel, Chickie Roney and Sara Roney.
Celeste was very clear that in the event of her death she would like a party. A gathering will be held on Sunday, September 14th from 2-5pm at Bicentennial Park, Pavillion A in East Allen Township. Address 5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Bring your stories and dancing shoes.

08/25/2025

Edward J. Hearn, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away in his home on August 13, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Johnson) Hearn who he met at 17 years old. They would have been married 56 years in October. Born into a large family of cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins in Hazelton, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Ann (Generose) and Edward Lee Hearn. His family eventually settled and grew in Bethlehem where he chose to remain and raise a family of his own. He enjoyed the simple life of his childhood in the Kaywin development along with the summers he spent in Fairmont, West Virginia, the hometown of his father.
Ed graduated from Liberty High School in 1965 and later served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. During this time, he flew second seat as a TO (Technical Observer) in the OV-1B Mohawk, responsible for operating the aircraft's surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. He was grateful that he, unlike so many, was able to return home safely. He shared stories of this time throughout his life.
He began his career at Western Electric where he became a master machinist. He remained there through the many company changes, ultimately retiring from Agere Systems where he proudly served as the Union Vice President of IBEW Local 1522.
Edward was a devoted father to his two daughters, Kelly and Lori, who adored him beyond words. He cared greatly for his five siblings who as kids, referred to him as “Brother.” He enjoyed being a part of his giant extended family, and took a vested interest in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was so proud of all of them. He made and kept friends wherever he went and often made them feel like family as well. His grandson and granddaughter, whom he referred to as “his heart and soul,” were his obvious favorites. He loved to watch them perform and would be only too happy to share a video or photo to anyone who hung around for more than ten minutes.
He loved to share stories and often sang or whistled a tune as he moved throughout his day. He was a great listener and genuinely enjoyed hearing from others. He loved to golf and try his luck at the casino. He enjoyed travelling, good food, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. He was so much fun to be around and a darn good dancer, too.
Mr. Hearn, Edward, Eddie, Ed, Dad, Brother, and Pop-Pop, depending on how you knew him, will surely be remembered for his humor and wit, but mostly for his kindness. He treated everyone with respect and had a kind and generous heart that only became softer with time. He was quick to lend a hand whenever it was needed to friends and strangers alike.
He will be deeply missed but kept alive in our memories and actions until we meet again in Heaven.
Survivors: wife- Susan J. Hearn; daughters- Kelly Hearn and Lori Davidson wife of Nathan; grandchildren- Brady and Riley Davidson; siblings- Mary Moyer, Dolores Dalrymple and Thomas Hearn husband of Vanessa. He was predeceased by his siblings- Elizabeth Pass and Mark Hearn.
His family would like to invite everyone to join them for Military Honors on Sunday, September 14th at 12PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course 400 Illick’s Mill Rd Bethlehem, PA 18017 in the pavilion behind the Club House Grille Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Edward’s memory to Second Harvest of Lehigh Valley 6969 Silver Crest Road Nazareth, PA 18064.

07/14/2025

Linda J. Gray, 76, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 12, 2025. She was the loving wife of 54 years to John P. Gray. Born in Champaign-Urbana, IL, Linda was the daughter of the late Edward and Jeanne (Trainor) LaChapelle. A successful business woman for nearly 40 years, Linda traveled to several continents in her final role as purchasing manager before retiring from FLSmidth. Linda was a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington.

Linda was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and of the Church's 55+ Club. She was also a member of the ZTA Sorority for which she volunteered while serving as advisor to her sorority sisters at Moravian University. Linda enjoyed traveling, reading, walking, dancing, aerobics and spending time with her family wherever they were in the world. She was an incredibly kindhearted person who enjoyed taking care of others, and was a fantastic cook.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, including her surviving relatives: husband- John Gray; daughters- Michele Gray and Shannon Flounders and husband Jef; grandchildren- Julien Sanchez, Adriene Sanchez, Haley Flounders, Mason Flounders and Luke Flounders; and, siblings- Ed LaChapelle, Richard LaChapelle, Mary Kozma, John LaChapelle and Leslie Bennett.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 17th from 10-11am at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Linda’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association, care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

07/10/2025

Ronald “Ron” P. Nelson, 75, of Center Valley, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He grew up in Fountain Hill, son of the late Paul and Caroline (Spirk), and husband to the late Mary Wagner. Ron was ‘a jack of all trades’ working as a salesman to a construction worker. Over the years, he had many dogs, always a German Shepherd, who became his favorite companions. He was an avid gun collector. He enjoyed watching sports, action movies and reading adventurous books. He was an accomplished chess player and would retell the story of playing chess with the inmates of Lewisburg Penitentiary. Did you hear this story? Ron loved to tell stories about events that happened to him and his family and his pets. He was an optimist and never complained about his life situation.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Cindi Nelson Christman, sons Brian (Pankey) and Rob Wagner (Karen), daughter, Kim Barrett, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 from 6-8pm at the Downing Funeral Home, 1002 West Broad St in Bethlehem. Saturday service is private.
Memorial contribution may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

04/09/2025

Melissa M. Sienicki, 48, of Bethlehem, passed away April 8, 2025. She was the loving wife of Kyle P. Dietterich. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of Mary (Gorman) Sienicki and the late Robert Sienicki. Melissa graduated from Albright University with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She worked in Arbitration for Farmers Insurance. She was a master cook, logistical wizard, graceful wife, and the kindest friend anyone could ever ask for. We all owe her for teaching us so much what being a wonderful person meant, and the world is poorer for having lost her. We will miss her terribly.
Survivors: husband- Kyle Dietterich, mother- Mary Sienicki, brother- Aaron Sienicki, sister-Rebecca Sienicki, niece- Holly Smalle. She was predeceased by her brother- Daniel Sienicki.
A calling time will be held Tuesday, April 15th 9-10AM with a Service at 10AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Melissa’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital care of the funeral home.

03/16/2025

It is with sadness we announce the death of Frederick “Fred” J. Gainer on January 30, 2025, at Novant Hospital in Wilmington NC.

Fred was born in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1950, and was the son of William Gainer and Maize (Hewitt) Gainer. He is survived by his wife Nancy Downing-Gainer, son Max-Erick Downing Gainer (wife Carla) of Wake Forest, NC, and sister Carolyn of Bethlehem, PA. He was predeceased in death by his brother William “Bill” Gainer.

Fred graduated from Penn State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He spent his career in College Administration at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina. His lifelong volunteer work included Grief Counselor for several organizations in the Hudson Valley. He was Especially Proud of his AIDS/HIV Grief Group Counseling in the 1980s and early 1990s.

He was a Follower of Elizabeth Kubler Ross and assisted with the creation of Hospice Care in the Hudson Valley New York. Served on the Board and as a Trainer. He believed in the “Death With Dignity” concept. He was a certified Grief Counselor and ran groups throughout the Hudson Valley through St. Francis Hospital. He was a Board Member of New York Lighthouse.

He and his family moved to NC in 2000 in preparation for Retirement. He retired in 2010 from Cape Fear Community College and continued to support that institution through his donations.

Fred was a kind and caring and gentle man. He spent his life in service and put others first. His interests here in Wilmington included watching his beloved Red Sox play, Fishing, Bird Watching and the care and feeding of the Blue Bird population. He was a family man, who considered his position as a Father and Husband the most important thing he could do. He is missed by all who knew him.

There will be calling hours held on Saturday, April 26th 11AM-12PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be Private in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

03/13/2025

Deborah A. (Bergeris) Reinert, 67, of Bethlehem, passed away March 12, 2025. She was the loving wife of 49 years to Charles L. Reinert. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late John and Gladys (Rice) Bergeris. She was a member of the former St. Matthews Lutheran Church and currently The Blessed Trinity at Rosemont. Deborah enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband, 3 daughters, 2 son-in-laws, 9 grandchildren, 1 grandson-in-law, 1 great grandchild and 1 sister. She was predeceased by 1 sister.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 22nd 9-10:30AM with a Service at 10:30AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Deborah’s memory to the funeral home towards her funeral expenses.

02/26/2025

Steven J. W**d, 53, of Bethlehem, passed away February 24, 2025. Born in Richland, WA, he was the son of the late Louis Steven W**d and the late Barbara (Morrison) Sokolsky. Steven was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Allentown and their Senior Group. He enjoyed puzzling, playing Wordle and creating video games on his computer. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: siblings- Mike W**d and his wife Lisa, John W**d, Jim W**d and his wife Angelina, Lynne Maynard and her husband Matt, Andy W**d, Jerry W**d, Barbara Kozo and her husband Benjamin; nieces and nephews- Elizabeth, Brooke, Bailey, Lucille, Simon, Will and Jack.
A Calling Time will be held Tuesday, March 4th 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Inurnment to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steven’s memory to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church 444 N Jasper St. Allentown, PA 18109.

02/11/2025

Mary (Schaffer) Korpics, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and stories—lots and lots of stories.

She is survived by her children, Robert (Laura) Korpics, Michael (Amy) Korpics, and Tesa (Gary) McLean, as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Korpics, and her son, Charles Korpics Jr, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

To know Mary was to love her. She was a joy and a light, a woman with a boundless heart and an endless supply of tales to tell. If you had the pleasure of sitting with her, you undoubtedly heard the same stories more than once—but somehow, they never got old. She could talk until she was blue in the face, and her grandkids (who lovingly called her Nana) wouldn’t have had it any other way. She had a knack for making history feel alive, for ensuring no moment, no memory, no detail was ever lost.

In her later years, she found warmth and happiness in sunny Myrtle Beach, living with her daughter and son in law, and soaking up every bit of love, laughter, and storytelling she could.

Though her absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled, her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with her husband and son, likely catching them up on every detail they missed. Her spirit lives on in the stories she shared, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave so freely.

A Calling Time will be held Saturday, March 1st 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Inurnment to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to her heart.

01/29/2025

Robert J. Butcher, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, to the late Andrew and Mary (Halko) Butcher, Bob’s life took an interesting turn after high school when he served in the Navy Reserves for six dedicated years.
Bob was a true Renaissance man, excelling in various fields throughout his career. He spent many years as a skilled machinist at RCA before embarking on a series of diverse occupations. His final role was as a security officer at Princeton University, where he retired at the age of 70.
A devout Catholic, Bob dedicated the last 30+ years of his life to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. There, he purchased a house with a magnificent swimming pool, which became a cherished gathering place for his friends and family during the summer months.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was also an avid photographer, an enthusiast of classic cars, particularly his beloved 1972 Pontiac, affectionately named “Yellowbird.” These passions were complemented by his numerous summer trips to the ocean with his soulmate, Barbara Thornton.
Bob’s witty nature and infectious laughter will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. He is survived by his younger brother, Andrew Butcher, and their nephews, David Shott, Brian Shott, Kenneth Shott, Russel Onderko, and Richard Onderko. He is also survived by his nieces, Rosalynne Letcavage and Christine Pribish, and his stepdaughters, Lynn Anne Szczeck (Robert), Susan Eaton (Sean), and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert is also predeceased by his lifelong companion, Barbara M. Thornton, his sisters, Eleanor Shott and Rose Onderko.
A viewing will be held on Monday, February 3rd, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, located at 730 W Broad St in Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30AM. The burial will take place at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in McAdoo.
Downing Funeral Home, Inc. in Bethlehem, PA, is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Robert’s memory in support of the Morrisville Senior Center, located at 31E Cleveland Avenue in Morrisville, PA 19067.

01/11/2025

Irene E. (Meinhart) Morgan, 96, of Bethlehem, passed away January 10, 2025. Born in Kresgeville, she was the daughter of the late Elmer S. and Evelyn E. (Strohl) Meinhart. Irene worked for the Allentown State Hospital as an LPN for 31 years before her retirement. She was a member of Rosemont Lutheran Church, O.L.H.C. Senior Citizens and the Rittersville Ladies Auxilary. Irene enjoyed playing Bingo, gardening, going to casinos, cooking and baking pies and kiffles. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Barry Morgan and wife Richene of Lower Macungie, Carol DePietro of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Jessica Peters and husband Michael, Lauren Morgan and partner Mark Sipics, Lisa Morgan and fiancé Caleb Gesicki, Christina Hirschman and husband Michael; great grandchildren- Cole Peters and Chelsea Peters; sisters- Gladys Green, Shirley Craig and Lois McArdle and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter- Jane Frantz, grandson- Shawn Frantz, brothers- Leon, Howard and Melvin Meinhart, sister- Pauline Heckman, former husband- Albert Morgan and partner- Andrew Slivko.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 17th 10-11AM with a Service to follow at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home Inc. 1002 W. Broad St Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Bethlehem Memorial Park.
Contributions can be made in Irene’s memory to St Jude Children’s Hospital care of the funeral home.

01/08/2025

Rosemarie Catherine (Junglas) McGouldrick, 92, of Bethlehem, was called Home by God on January 3, 2025. Born in Easton to Loretta and Joseph Junglas, Rosemarie was an avid Red Rovers fan. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Rosemarie held many jobs in housekeeping and childcare and was the first Extended Care teacher at St. Anne School. She loved playing Scrabble and dominoes with her family and friends. Rosemarie was a devout member of Ss. Simon and Jude Parish and her faith helped bring several people back to the church.
Rosemarie is survived by daughters- Susan, with whom she resided until entering a skilled nursing facility in December, Mary Mittermeier (Georg) of Coplay and their daughter, her dearly loved granddaughter Hannah of California, and Rosemary Vega (Carl) of Bethlehem; by sons Stephen of Allentown, John of Bethlehem, and William (Connie) of Arizona and their family; by her younger brothers, Carl and Bill, who were lights of her life and by Emilie Heesen, her “daughter in spirit.”
Rosemarie was predeceased by her husband Clarence “Curly”, by her beloved grandson Christian Mittermeier, by sisters Margaret and Mary, by brothers Joseph and Vincent, and by her lifelong pen pal and friend Ann of Connecticut.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, January 8th 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM all in Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

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