The Reverend Michael F. Briggman, Pastor Emeritus of Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally, Pennsylvania, died on Friday, 26 February 2016, at Holy Family Villa for Priests, Bethlehem, at the age of 73.

Born in Pottsville, Father Briggman was the son of the late Joseph and Irene (Novacki) Briggman. He is survived by his sister, Mary Kay Mullen and her husband Lee, of Pennsylvania; brothers, Joseph Briggman and wife, Kathleen, of Westford, Massachusetts, and John “Jack” Briggman, of Charlotte, North Carolina; nephews, Lee Mullen and wife, Clare, Michael Mullen, and Salvador Briggman; grandnephews, Thomas and Michael.

Father Briggman attended elementary school at Saint Patrick School and is a graduate Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary High School, both in Pottsville. He attended Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy, and The Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, where he received a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology.

He was ordained to the Priesthood on 6 April 1968 in Rome by The Most Reverend Francis F. Reh, then-Rector of the Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy.

Father Briggman’s first priestly assignment was Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Church, West Reading, followed by Parochial Vicar, Saint Joseph Church, Easton, and Parochial Vicar, Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, Whitfield.

His first Pastoral assignment was at the former Saint Francis de Sales Church, Mount Carbon. Father Briggman was then named Pastor of Saint Joseph Church, Easton, followed by Pastor, Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally, where he served until his retirement on 28 January 1997 and was named Pastor Emeritus.

During the course of his Priestly Ministry, Father Briggman served as Regional Director of Vocations for Berks County; Member, Priests’ Choir; Associate Professor, Notre Dame High School, Easton; Chaplain, Boy Scouts Minsi Trail Council, Easton; Member, Council of Priests; Advocate and Notary, Diocesan Tribunal; Regional Director, American Catholic Overseas Aid, Berks County; Chaplain, Pottsville Hospital; Chaplain, Serra Club Forks of the Delaware Chapter; Member, Budget Board, Notre Dame High School, Easton; Member, Advisory Board, Notre Dame High School, Easton; President, Advisory Board, Notre Dame High School, Easton; Member, Budget and Audit Review Board, Reading Central Catholic High School, Reading; Member, Council of Priests; Spiritual Director, Holy Name Society, Lehigh Deanery; Retired Priests Representative, Council of Priests and was involved with Cursillo Retreat Program.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 in Saints Simon and Jude Church, 730 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:30 PM. The Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Radocha, Pastor, Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Church, Easton, and Dean of Northampton Deanery, will preside. The Homilist will be Deacon William F. Urbine. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Saints Simon and Jude Church. Mass of Christian Burial for Father Briggman will be celebrated at Saints Simon and Jude Church Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 11:00 AM by His Excellency, The Most Reverend John O. Barres, D.D., Bishop of Allentown. The Homilist will be the Reverend Monsignor John J. Martin, Pastor, Saint Peter Church, Coplay. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville, on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 11AM. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc., Bethlehem.

Earl F. Buss, 81, of Bethlehem, passed away October 11, 2015 in his home. He was the loving husband of 40 years to Margaret (Urban) Buss. Born in Ironton, he was the son of the late Roy and Helen (Hertzog) Buss. Earl served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He worked for the Dept. of Labor and Industry for 28 years before his retirement. He was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. Earl was also a musician for 18 years with a local band.

Survivors:
Wife- Margaret Buss; Son- Jason Thomas of Allentown; Daughter Eileen and husband Mark Swan of Texas; Stepson- Michael P. McConnell; Nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved grandson- James M. Krasley, stepdaughter- Michelle A. McConnell and brother- Harrison E. Buss.

A viewing will be held Thursday 6-8PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Friday 10AM in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his grandson James Krasley’s memory to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic School.

Our dear loving mother Lorraine A. Bristol, 87 passed peacefully from this world on the evening of October 6th at her residence at Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. Born August 19, 1928 in Mowry, PA. She was the daughter of the late Leroy and Irene (Renn) Kimmel, and former wife of the late Arthur Bristol of Bethlehem. Lorraine was a compassionate mother who dedicated her life to raising her children, and caring for other members of her family in times of need. She was also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother who over the years delighted in seeing her family blossom and grow. Lorraine was also a keen competitor who loved the challenge of a good game of cards, or the rousing laughter of her friends as they played bingo at different venues throughout the Lehigh Valley. However, Lorraine’s true competitive spirit was at its best when she watched her beloved Philadelphia Phillies. Whether winning or losing, Lorraine was a true fan who always supported the team she had come to love.
Though gone from our presence, her love, warmth and kindness will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of family, friends and all that were lucky enough to have known her.

Survivors:
Daughter Carol Bristol of Bethlehem, Daughter Judi Shaffer and her husband Glenn of Bethlehem, Son Gary Bristol and his wife Michelle of Bethlehem, Grandson Jason Kilgore and his wife Krista and great-grandchildren Jada, Devin and Lillian of Dover DE. Sister Larue Cook of Lehighton. She was predeceased by her brother Paul Kimmel and sister Ruth Hoyt.
Services:
As per Lorraine’s wishes, memorial services will be private.
Contributions:
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

Mae Blanche (Derocher) Brown, beloved mother, sister, and aunt, passed from this life on September 29, 2015 at the age of 88.

Born in Bark River, Michigan on July 3, 1927 to Fred and Laura (Swille) Derocher, Mae was a bon vivant in the best sense of the phrase. Her many interests included gardening, baking, sewing, and dancing. She was also a steadfast, talented member of the church choirs at Notre Dame of Bethlehem and Sacred Heart Church of Bath. Her sparkle, wit, and compassion endeared her to many. Most importantly, she was loyal and loving to her family and friends during hard times, when it counted the most.

She is survived by her daughter Amy Brown, her grandson Michael O’Malley, her sister Eleanor (Derocher) Murray, her niece Lisa (Murray) Perry and her family, and many other nieces and nephews. Her husband of 17 years, William V. Brown of Jessup, PA, passed away in 1981.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 3rd 9:30-10:30AM in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Ave Bethlehem, PA 18018 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM. Her burial will be held on Monday, October 5th at 10AM in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bath, PA. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org).

Arthur Bristol, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away May 9, 2015 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Ashley, PA he was the son of the late Albert and Margaret (Davis) Bristol, and former husband of Lorraine (Kimmel) Bristol. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict, and was a proud plank-owner of his ship of duty, the USS Coral Sea. Arthur retired from Bethlehem Steel after 40 years of service, where he worked as a steelworker and foreman. He spent his later years doing what he loved best, surf-fishing in Florida, gardening, and building replica Civil War cannons. He was a long-standing member of the North End Wanderers Athletic Assoc., and active member of his local VFW. Arthur will be remembered by his friends and family for his wonderful sense of humor, selfless generosity, and most of all, his love of life and family.

Survivors:
Children- Carol Bristol of Bethlehem, Judi Shaffer and husband Glenn of Bethlehem, Gary Bristol and wife Michelle of Bethlehem; Grandson- Jason Kilgore and wife Krista of Delaware; Great Grandchildren- Jada, Devin and Lillian Kilgore; Sister- Audrey Stair of Bethlehem and Long-Time Companion- Grace Shinton of Catasauqua. He was predeceased by his siblings- Anna Giles, Mable Morgan, James Bristol, Walter Bristol and Albert Bristol.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday May 13th from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. with a Service to follow at 3:00 P.M. in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be Private at a later date in Bethlehem Memorial Park.

Contributions can be made in Arthur’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

George M. Bogunovich, 99, of Bethlehem, passed away May 4, 2015 in Holy Family Manor. He was the loving husband of 73 years to Martha (Halko) Bogunovich. Born in Bronx, NY he was the son of the late Frank and Ethel (Dobos) Bogunovich. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. George worked for Bethlehem Steel and then retired as a salesman from AAA. He was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.

Survivors:
Wife- Martha Bogunovich; Children- Georgine Gladstone, Daniel Bogunovich, Mark and wife Marianne Bogunovich, Richard and wife Terry Bogunovich and Jane and husband Casey Stengel; 15 Grandchildren; 6 Great Grandchildren; Sister- Ethel Gasda. He was predeceased by his Son- George Bogunovich Jr.; Daughter- Maryann Bogunovich; Siblings- Frank Bosich, Julia Hippauf, Helen Gryzinski and Eleanor Mickley.

A Calling time will be held on Saturday 9:45-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM both at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home Inc.

Contributions can be made in George’s memory to The Resident Activity Fund at Holy Family Manor, 1200 Spring St, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Ralph S. Beahn, 59, of Bethlehem, passed away February 9, 2015 in his home. He was the loving husband of Maryann (Plewak) Beahn and they were together for 18 years. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the Margaret (Gruber) Beahn and the late Frank Beahn. Ralph worked for Deka/ East Penn Manufacturing for 5 years.

Survivors:
Wife- Maryann Beahn; Mother- Margaret Beahn; Children-daughter, Cassandra Waldek and husband Karl and son Chris Beahn; Step-Son- Timothy Jones; Grandchildren- Juliet and Jackson Waldek; Brothers- Thomas and wife Gail, Frank and wife Sarah, and Edward Beahn; Sister- Carlene Barbour and husband Michael; Dog and Companion- Chloe.

A viewing will be held on Friday 6-7:30PM with a Service at 7:30PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ralph’s memory to the American Brian Tumor Association 8550 W Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 550 Chicago, IL 60631.

Francis Becker, 79, of Bethlehem, died January 19, 2015. He was the son of the late Charles and Emma Becker. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Francis retired after 23 years of maintenance service at Lehigh University.

A memorial service will be held Thursday at 10AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Ghost Cemetery.