Andrew J. Sarko, 99 years old and a longtime resident of Bethlehem, PA passed away September 27, 2026. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Postenyi) Sarko. Andrew was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in WWII. He retired from the Northampton County Courthouse. He was an avid Phillies fan. Andrew was passionate about his garden and enjoyed sharing his produce with friends. He also enjoyed meeting the guys for coffee and really liked riding the bus to the casino. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Mary (Fischer) Sarko of 57 years. He is survived by his loving children Mary Lou Straka (Steve), William Sarko (Louise), Edward Sarko (Nancy) and Nancy Newhard (Rich); grandchildren Matthew Newhard (Ally) and Melissa Newhard (Rob). Andrew was also predeceased by his granddaughter Amy Straka and all 8 of his elder siblings.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1st 11:30AM-1:00PM with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrew’s memory to Sights for Hope 845 W. Wyoming St. Allentown, PA 18103.

Catherine R. Nonnemacher, 83, of Bethlehem Township, formerly of Lower Nazareth, passed away on September 16, 2026. She was the wife of the late David W. Nonnemacher. Born in Nazareth, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret (Pieschl) Szoke.
Cathy worked in various sewing mills throughout her life. As a talented seamstress who began making her own clothes as a teenager, she lovingly made most of her daughters' clothing for many years. She later became a gifted fabric artist, creating beautiful textiles and quilts, including a special piece entered into the Kutztown Fair Quilt Show. Cathy and her husband shared a deep love for camping, traveling across the United States, and spending time with their many beloved dogs.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Konnick and her husband Troy of Jensen Beach, FL; Caroline Knowles of Bethlehem Township; and Roseann Hannis and her husband Joe of Bethlehem. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Amey (Krista), Trista Knowles, Natasha Henn (Steve), David Hannis (Allie), and Mark Wass; five great-grandchildren; her sisters, Margie Koch (Dick) of Florida and Helen Nonnemacher (Sonny) of Florida; her brother, Stephen Szoke (Linda) of Pennsylvania; and her son-in-law, Tom Amey.
She was predeceased by her son, David "Butch" Nonnemacher; her brother, Joseph Pieschl; her sister, Nancy Kobordo; and her son-in-law, Steven Knowles.
Services: Graveside services will be private with burial at Holy Savior Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Lukes Hospice 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Miriam J. (Deibert) Ellwanger, 83, of Wyomissing Hills, passed away September 14, 2026. Born August 11,1943, at Reading Hospital, to Elizabeth (Andrew) and George L. M. Deibert, she grew up in Elverson, PA. Miriam graduated from Twin Valley High School class of 1961 and then Pottstown Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964. She married her loving husband Thomas S. Ellwanger in 1964. Miriam was employed at St. Luke’s Hospital full time until her oldest daughter was born. Then she worked part-time at various nursing facilities, while raising her 3 daughters, for the next 20 years. Then she was able to return to full-time work with the Visiting Nurses Association of Bethlehem. She and her good friend, the late Marianne Williams, were the first two hospice nurses for the VNA. She always said Hospice Nursing was the most rewarding in her long career of 41 years. Miriam raised her family in Fountain Hill with her husband Tom where she was a member of the choir at St. Ursula’s Catholic Church. She volunteered for her daughters with their Brownies and Scout Troops, helped at St. Ursula’s school, and the Bethlehem Catholic High School Marching Band Parents Association. When she and Tom moved to Wyomissing Hills, she performed more part-time work as an RN. Helping to care for her grandchildren kept her busy, but she also volunteered with Berks Co. Breast Cancer Support Services making hundreds of pink pillows for comfort bags for recently diagnosed women. She was named “Person of the Week” in the Reading Eagle Newspaper in 2012. Miriam was past member of St. Ignatius Bereavement Ministry, Adoration team and the Legion of Mary as an axillary member. But her favorite place to volunteer was at John Paul II Center for Special Learning, helping in the classrooms and library. She grew to love the children and staff, even remembering them with homemade masks during the covid pandemic. Miriam and Tom enjoyed vacations at the Jersey Shore with the girls when they were younger and later in retirement bus trips to Michigan, Massachusetts and Maine. A train trip to Florida to visit Miriam’s Aunt Barbara was especially memorable, as was celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to New Orleans and a riverboat cruise up the Mississippi to Baton Rouge with friends Joan and Ron Smith. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- Thomas Ellwanger; daughters- Suzanne and husband Ronald Adam, Dianne Ferretti, Julie Anne and husband Sean Hanley; grandchildren- Jordan, Samantha, Kathryn, Ryan, Bridget and Kieran; brother- Phillip Deibert; sisters- Beth Lewis and Phyllis Crockett. She was predeceased by her former son-in-law- Mark Ferretti.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM all in St. Ignatius Catholic Church 2810 St. Albans Drive Reading, PA 19608. Interment to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Contributions can be made in Miriam’s memory to John Paul II Center for Special Learning 1092 Welsh Rd Shillington, PA 19607 or at https://johnpauliicenter.org

Susan Marie Phillips, 64, of Bethlehem passed away July 21, 2026. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary R. (Dugan) Phillips. Sensitive and generous, Susan was willing to help anyone in need. For her family she was a true caregiver, whether that meant offering her physical presence or an ear to listen. Her thoughtful conversation and sharp sense of humor will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her children Lindsay Cawley and husband Jason, Daniel Boyd, Amanda Boyd, Michael Boyd; grandchildren Evelyn, Sam, Corvair and David; sisters Karen Taylor and Joan Phillips; brothers Mark and Brian Phillips; and her aunt, Sister Joan Dugan. She was predeceased by her brother Jeffrey Phillips.

Services will be private for the family.

Albert Philip Bauerlein, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 13, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Frances Bauerlein for 57 years. Born in Staten Island, NY, he was the son of the late John and Agnes Bauerlein. Al served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Iceland as a radar operator. He worked for 37 years at Xerox as a service technician and was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Al was a lifelong lover of all things technology, a gifted landscaper who transformed his backyards into beautiful park like spaces, and the ultimate do it yourself handyman. He was always quick to help family and friends with a project and was a professional advice giver. He adored his grandchildren and especially loved watching them enjoy a delicious treat. He could often be found in his recliner with his laptop, listening contentedly as his family gathered in the next room. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his brother, John Bauerlein. Survivors include: children – Lynn Orrico and husband Russ, Jeff Bauerlein and wife Kristy, Jill Boland and husband Justin; grandchildren – Jacob, Emily, Hannah, and Sarah; sisters – Frances and Agnes.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 21st 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Nancy (Gubish) Petruny, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away June 24, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Francis “Pat” M. Petruny. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Altha (Kunsman) Gubish. Nancy graduated from Bethlehem High School and retired from Western Electric/Lucent Tech. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and the Red Hat Society. Nancy enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, reading and dancing with her husband at the Brookside Country Club. She also enjoyed going to the beach in Ocean City, NJ and traveling to Florida every winter. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: son- Michael Petruny and his wife Rene, granddaughters- Kendra and Morgan Petruny, brother- William Kunsman, nieces and nephews- Steven, Melissa, Michelle, Glenn, Tina and Denise, companion- Lou Palentes. She was predeceased by her son- Christopher and her brothers- George, Alex and Ronald.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30th 10-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqa Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be Private in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Nancy’s memory to the 4 Diamonds Fund (memorializing Christopher) or to AHC Home Health and Hospice care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Richard J. Huber, Sr., 97, of Bethlehem, passed away June 24, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Elsie H. (Hathazi) Huber. Born in Cementon, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Anna (Emerich) Huber. Richard graduated from Central Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for Mack Trucks, retiring after 26 years. Richard was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, and a member of the funeral choir. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans, the Pine Flats Assoc., the Mack Truck Local #617, shop stewart, and the Mack Ski Club. Richard was proud that he had attended the Men of Malvern Retreat for 50 years. He was also dedicated to being a Democratic Committee Man, attending the gym at least 3 days a week and skiing until he was 83 years old. Richard enjoyed hunting at his cabin, fishing, biking and participating/ teaching ballroom dancing. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- JoAnn Zwickl wife of Kenneth, Elizabeth Snyder wife of Douglas and Marci Huber; grandchildren- Jason, Joseph & Kevin Zwickl, Nicole Huber, Anna Jennings, Elizabeth Huber, Alicia Hegemann and Brian Huber; great grandchildren- Noah & Nessa Zwickl, Esmae Huber, Kasper Zwickl and Kara Huber; sister- Maryanne Pohl. Richard was predeceased by his sons- Matthew, Jonathan & Richard Huber Jr., stepson- Thomas Roc, siblings- Ernest Huber, Dorothy Strohm, Sister M. Josanne, MSC., Joseph Huber.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 2nd 10-11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Assumption of the BVM Cemetery, Northampton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Lorraine A. Nehilla, 80, of Bethlehem, passed away at home on May 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving wife of the late Stanislaus Nehilla. Born in Bethlehem and raised as a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church on the Southside, she was the daughter of the late Grace (Sever) and Joseph Zamadics. Lorraine graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1963 then began her working career at Union Bank, where she met her husband. After marrying Stanislaus in 1966, Lorraine was a happy stay-at-home wife and mother before re-entering the work force with Lehigh Valley Bank in 1984. She retired from the former Keystone Savings and Loan in the mid-2010s with nearly 30 years of service. An avid bingo player, reader (especially of murder mysteries), and tv watcher, Lorraine eventually moved to the Harrisburg area in 2021 to live with her son Stephen, daughter-in-law Melanie, and nine of her ten grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

Lorraine is survived by her son- Stephen Nehilla husband of Melanie; daughter- Karen Nehilla wife of John Griffiths; grandchildren- Francis, RachelAnn, Nicholas, Andrew, Joseph, Michael, Daniel, Christopher, Theresa Nehilla and Madeline Griffiths; brother- Thomas Zamadics husband of Anne. Numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. She was predeceased by her son- John Nehilla.

A Calling Time will be held Friday, June 19th 11:00AM-12:00PM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12PM, all at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Contributions can be made in Lorraine’s memory to Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church or to Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.