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.

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.

Anne Louise (Lesica) Eslieb passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025 after a full and vibrant 87 years. Anne was the wife of her beloved Amos J. Eslieb. She was predeceased by her son John whom she so loved. Anne was born on Staten Island to Anthony and Phyllis Lesica. She was a graduate of Wagner College and Rutgers University. She had an enormous compassion for children and was employed as a guidance counselor in the N.Y.C. public schools and schools in PA.

She cherished her cousins and niece Marian Tanasiuk and treasured friends.

Services will be Private and are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Donations may be made to Mercy Special Learning School 830 S. Woodward St. Allentown, PA 18103.

Irene Emily (Kerecz) Recor, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Oscar M. Recor. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Kalman and Amelia (Szukics) Kerecz. Irene retired from Burron Medical Supply. She was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church and their auxiliary. Irene loved celebrating her Yugoslavian heritage. She was very artistic and enjoyed making and teaching ceramics. Irene was a phenomenal cook, gardener and seamstress. She loved to travel, dance, was extremely social, full of energy and enthusiasm. She had a zest for life and loved everyone. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Roxanne Wright, son- Rodney Recor, grandchildren- Colin Wright and Lauren Skaggs, great grandchildren- Michael Wright and Emily Grace Skaggs, niece- Emily Ann Harley, nephews- Bela Kerecz Jr. and Robert Kerecz. She was predeceased by her siblings- Christina Kacmar, Stephen Kerecz, Bela Kerecz, Kalman Kerecz Jr., Joseph Kerecz and Frank Kerecz.
A calling time will be held Tuesday, April 22nd 10:30-11:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM all in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

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.

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.