Walter B. Smith, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away September 17, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Theresa D. (Dominko) Smith. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wassaha) Smith. Walter graduated from Lehigh University. He was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Walter retired from Bethlehem Steel as a claims adjuster. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: daughters- Diane Briones wife of the late David, Debbie Murphy and her husband Ed; grandchildren- Katie, Mary, Zachary, Nicholas, Sara and John; great grandchildren- Charlotte and Andrew.

Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church in Walter’s memory.

William “Bill” Amato, 71, of Allentown, passed away on September 8, 2024. Born October 20, 1952 in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late Samuel and Irene (Burdi) Amato.
Bill was a graduate of Irvington High School, Irvington, NJ, and went on to work many years in the logistics industry. What he enjoyed most were his grandchildren, finding joy in their laughter and company. They created many cherished memories together.
He is survived by his son Anthony and wife Kelly of Whitehall, PA, daughter Lisa and husband Jonathan of Mertztown, PA; grandchildren C.J. and partner Shane, Darwin, and Juliet.
A calling time will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, from 11:00am - 12:00pm, with a memorial service to follow at 12:00pm, all at Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Mary C. (Fox) Mingora, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away September 6, 2024. She was the wife of the late John Fox and then to the late Richard G. Mingora. Born in Palmerton, she was the daughter of the late Chauncey and Marie Ritter. Mary had worked for Durkee Foods and Alpo Foods until her retirement. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Janet L. Powell and husband Timothy of Bethlehem Twp., son- John R. Fox of San Diego, CA, grandson Timothy Powell of Bethlehem Twp., and great grandson Jacob Powell. She was predeceased by her brothers- Thomas, Harrison and Richard Kulp and sister- Dorothy Sauerwien.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 12th at 10AM in Holy Saviour Cemetery 2575 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Cecilia (Sanchez) Rivera, 82, of Bethlehem, passed away August 31, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Miguel Rivera. Born in Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Manuel N. and Maria F. (Colon) Sanchez. She has worked as a sewing machine operator for many years before her retirement. Cecila was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church and Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Karen E. Salasky of Bethlehem, Debra A. Soto of FL, Miguel A. Rivers Jr. of Allentown; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; siblings- Manuel Sanchez Jr., Israel Sanchez, Hilwmanada Ruiz, Hilda Rivas, Rosael Sanchez.
Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Dolores E. (Jones) Hoffert, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away August 29, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late George W. Hoffert Jr. Born in Danielsville, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Chaffrey (Kocher) Jones. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors: children- Debra Patton and husband Ron of Bethlehem, Randy Hoffert of Bethlehem, Kathy Walker and husband George of NC, Krisann Szvetecz and husband Philip of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Michael and Matthew Patton, Jordan Hoffert, Skylar and Hailey Szvetecz; great grandchildren- Ryleigh and Quinlee Patton, Ariella Ritter; sister- Jean Holzinger. She was predeceased by her sister- Betty Neith.

Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

William “Bill” Amato, 71, of Allentown, passed away on September 8, 2024. Born October 20, 1952 in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late Samuel and Irene (Burdi) Amato.
Bill was a graduate of Irvington High School, Irvington, NJ, and went on to work many years in the logistics industry. What he enjoyed most were his grandchildren, finding joy in their laughter and company. They created many cherished memories together.
He is survived by his son Anthony and wife Kelly of Whitehall, PA, daughter Lisa and husband Jonathan of Mertztown, PA; grandchildren C.J. and partner Shane, Darwin, and Juliet.
A calling time will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, from 11:00am - 12:00pm, with a memorial service to follow at 12:00pm, all at Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Raymond “Junie” E. Gaugler, Jr., 88, of Bethlehem, passed away August 1, 2024. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Marie (McCafferty) and Raymond Gaugler, Sr. He graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1954. Junie served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Radar Repair School in Fort Monmouth, NJ. He retired from Western Electric/AT&T. Junie was an avid golfer and fisherman. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: brother- Brian W. and wife Karen; nieces- Robyn Read, Tammy Read and husband Jay, Wendy Gaugler and husband Ray Lubomski, Kim; great nieces and nephews- Nicolas, Matthew, Bryan and Megan; step-nephew- Charles Kline Jr. He was predeceased by his sister- Marie Kooney and niece Sherry.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 7th 11:30AM-12:30PM with a Service at 12:30PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ALS United of the Mid Atlantic.

Michael J. Vasko, age 70, from Bethlehem, passed away on July 24, 2024. He was the devoted husband of Elaine Vasko for 46 years. He was born in Northampton. The son of the late John and Anna Vasko. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1972. Growing up, he was a member of St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church and later joined Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, where he played guitar and sang in the choir. For many years, Michael worked in sales, specializing in restaurant equipment and supplies. He was a recognized and accomplished guitar player who led his bands: Shake Rattle and Soul, and Pizzazz, in performing at countless private and community events for over four decades. While music was a cherished passion for him, his family remained his greatest love. Michael will be profoundly missed.

Survivors: wife- Elaine; children: Derek and Jamie. He was predeceased by his brother- John Vasko.

The viewing will take place on Monday, August 5th from 6-8PM at Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

An additional morning viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 6th from 9-10AM at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18108 followed by a Catholic mass at 10AM. Burial will occur at Holy Saviour Cemetery following mass.

In honor of Mike’s memory, please perform a random act of kindness for someone, wherever and whenever you can.