OBITUARIES
Recent Obituaries
Local Obituaries for Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh Valley & Surrounding Areas

Nelson Rivera
Sep 30, 2023
Nelson Rivera, 80, formerly of Bethlehem, PA passed away on Saturday September 30, 2023, in West Chester, PA. He was born in Puerto Rico, the son of the late Faustino and Ramona (Maldonado) Rivera. Nelson resided and worked for the Devereux Vocational Industries for over 60 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Gladys Gonzalez and Maria Rivera both...
Robert G. Unger
Sep 29, 2023
Robert G. Unger, known as "Bob" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023, in Hellertown, PA. Born on May 23, 1935, in Hazleton, PA, to the late Glenn and Ruth Unger, Bob was known for his funny, loving, and thoughtful nature.
Bob had a fulfilling career at the Pennsylvania Power and Light Co., where he worked...
Jason Eric Depriest
Sep 27, 2023
Jason “Jay” DePriest, 54, of Bethlehem, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his home after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Born on March 13, 1969, in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Nicholas A. and Cimmie (Ayre) DePriest.
Jay was the proud owner of Inphase Productions—a local music studio where he recorded many local bands...
Ismael Torres
Sep 27, 2023
Ismael “Junior” Torres, Jr., 60, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his residence. He was the husband of Sherry L. (Heck) Torres whom he married on October 10, 2020.
Junior was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on September 28,1962, to Nemsia Ramirez of Bethlehem and the late Ismael Torres, Sr.
He worked as a Bus Driver for...
Estelle M. Boyer
Sep 26, 2023
Estelle Marcon Boyer (“Honey”) of Bethlehem passed away peacefully on September 26th at the Hospice House of the Visiting Nurses of St. Luke’s. at the age of 94. Estelle was the loving daughter of Rose Turtzo Marcon and Frank L. Marcon. She was born in Bethlehem, attended Liberty High School, and graduated from Ursinus College with a Bachelor of Science...
Donald Jacobs Fillman
Sep 25, 2023
Donald Jacobs “Butch” Fillman, 84, of Bethlehem, died on September 25, 2023. He was born in Bethlehem, son of the late Donald Kenneth and Ivera Doris (Jacobs) Fillman.
Butch will be lovingly remembered for being a talented, loving, and smart man, with a tremendous sense of humor. He could occasionally be a thorn in the side of family and friends, but...
Russell P. Kopy
Sep 25, 2023
Russell “Russ” P. Kopy, 69, of Bethlehem passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 22, 1953, he was the son of Barbara (Leopitzi) and the late Russell Kopy. He was the loving husband of Judy M. (Damhosl) Kopy.
Russ earned his bachelor’s degree from Moravian College and went on to earn...
Sylvia L. Ruff
Sep 20, 2023
Sylvia L. Ruff, 74, of Bethlehem, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Born on May 14, 1949, in White Plains, NY, she was the daughter of the late Armando and Antoinette (Fantasia) Perry.
Sylvia worked at DeSales University until her retirement. She loved dancing, supporting local bands and listening to music—especially country and rock and roll. Her family meant more to...
Frances T. Dreisbach
Sep 19, 2023
Frances T. Dreisbach, 99 , of Hanover Township, formerly of Williams Township, died September 19. She was the daughter of the late Alexander V. and Marie (Nofer) Tisdale. Born September 13, 1924, she graduated from Pottstown High School and earned degrees from Ursinus College and Bryn Mawr College as well as a certificate in geriatric social work from Yeshiva University....
Ekke P. De Vries
Sep 16, 2023
Ekke P. de Vries, 93, of Bethlehem passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Fellowship Manor in Whitehall. Born on September 25, 1929 in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands he was the son of the late Popke and Greite (Kroes) de Vries. He was the loving husband of the late Shirley S. (Visser) de Vries.
Growing up in The Netherlands, Ekke worked...
Anne Marie Petrilla
Sep 15, 2023
Anne Marie Petrilla, 77, formerly of Bethlehem Twp., passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson Campus. Anne Marie was born in Allentown on July 16, 1946 to the late Andrew E. and Anna A. (Oravec) Petrilla. Known to her friends and co-workers as “Annie”, she worked as a Social Worker in Sinking Spring for many years...
Paula Ann Wilson
Sep 14, 2023
Paula Ann Wilson, 72, of Lower Saucon Township, died unexpectedly on September 14th, 2023. She was born on September 9th, 1951 in Bethlehem, PA. She will be affectionately remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother. Paula lived a life of joy and kindness and will be remembered for the genuine warmth she extended to all those she...

Lillian R. Hunsberger
Sep 14, 2023
Lillian R. Hunsberger, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
Born on September 2, 1933, in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Josephine (D'Avanza) Campanella.
Lillian worked at Rileighs Outdoor Décor for many years. She loved to have fun—Lillian was a social butterfly, she enjoyed throwing parties and decorating. Her bubbly personality will be missed...
David R. Strohl
Sep 7, 2023
David R. Strohl, 75, of Bethlehem, passed away on September 7, 2023, at St. Luke’s Anderson.
Born on February 19, 1948, in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Howard and Lucy (Pfeiffer) Strohl.
David graduated from Saucon Valley High School and served our country in the Army Reserves. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and his master’s degree...
Mary Elizabeth Whitehead
Sep 5, 2023
Mary Elizabeth (Hudak)Whitehead, 59, of South Riding, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Kathleen (McDonnell) Hudak. Mary Beth was born on March 20, 1964, and graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School and the University of Pittsburgh. She worked as a real estate agent with RE/MAX Gateway in...
John Kozma
Aug 27, 2023
John Kozma, 65, of Bethlehem passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at St. Luke’s Fountain Hill.
Born on May 31, 1958, in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Frank and Helen (Polack) Kozma.
John graduated from Freedom High School and retired from the Bethlehem Steel. John was a quiet man—he enjoyed hiking and taking in the outdoors. He also...
Brigitte Salontai
Aug 27, 2023
Brigitte Salontai, 97, of Center Valley, formerly of Bethlehem, died Sunday, August 27th at Sacred Heart Senior Living in Center Valley. Born in Germany she was the daughter of the late Willy and Margarete (Faustmann) Seydel. She was married to Elmer J. Salontai for 57 years until his death on February 21, 2005.
Brigitte was raised in Germany and during WWII,...
David C. Eckhart
Aug 25, 2023
David C. Eckhart, 70, of Bethlehem, passed away on Friday, August 25, 2023.
Born on August 9, 1953, in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Charles and Frances (Kramer) Eckhart.
Dave graduated from Freedom High School. He served our country in the United States Army. He was a huge Musikfest fanatic—you could find him there every day, no matter what....
Dorothy M. Klein
Aug 24, 2023
Dorothy M. Klein, 89, of Topton, PA passed on to her new life with Jesus in heaven on Thursday, August 24th.
Dorothy was born on February 1, 1934, to Louis J. and Mary (Chromczak) Feher of Bethlehem.
She attended Liberty High School, after which she worked for Synthetic Thread Company. After marrying Anthony J. Klein, the two traveled across...
Joan E. Raymond
Aug 23, 2023
Joan E. Raymond, 82, of Bethlehem passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at St. Luke’s Fountain Hill.
Born on December 3, 1940, in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Kester) and Charles Raub.
Joan was a seamstress for many years. She was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church, Bethlehem as well as the Lioness Club. Joan...