James H Glover, Jr., 75, of Bethlehem, Pa passed away May 5, 2023, at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. James was born June 5, 1947, in Orangeburg, SC. He was a loving husband of 55 years to Selma (Byrd) Glover. James was the son of the late Willie Hauser and Clayrine (Glover) Knight. He attended school in Philadelphia and worked for many years as a school bus driver and in home maintenance. He was known for his sense of humor and dedication to Jehovah.
James and Selma enjoyed traveling and have visited many places around the world. He was passionate about spending time with people and sharing bible truths. James dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized in February 1962 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He served as a devoted member and Elder of the Bethlehem-West Congregation. James and Selma served as ministers in South Mississippi for over ten years. He never missed an opportunity to speak to others about Jehovah and the bible expressing his confidence in his God, Jehovah.
He will be deeply missed, by his family and friends, who will remember him for his zeal for bible truths and unwavering love for Jehovah and his wife, Selma.
He is survived by his wife, Selma, sister Liza Knight and brothers Therman Knight Jr. Alexander Knight, and preceded in death brother Bernard Glover. Also, many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of spiritual children.
Rita Gerlach
Rita Frances (Pierfy) Gerlach, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away October 31, 2021. She was the loving wife of the late Edwin J. Gerlach. Born in Alpha, NJ she was the daughter of the late Neno and Frances (Cervasi) Pierfy. Rita was a 1st generation Italian American and the last of 10 children. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1948. Rita was a military wife and had served as President of the NCO wives club. While living in Korea she was instrumental in helping to obtain funds for their local orphanages and volunteered her time. Rita was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, playing pinochle, watching Dancing with the Stars and the Hallmark Channel and was a dedicated Phillies and Eagles fan. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who touched many lives over the years. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Susan Keramas and husband Nick, Edward Gerlach, Laurie Nemesch and husband David, Valarie Young; grandchildren- Allison, Ashley, Hayley, Shayla, Taryn, Jarid, Justyn, Joseph and Benjamin; great granddaughter- Ava Rae.
A viewing will be held Saturday, November 6th 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM in Notre Dame Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Janet Gebec
Janet M. (Bachman) Gebec, 82, of Bethlehem, passed away April 28, 2021. She was the loving wife of the late Claude E. Gebec. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Helen (Wittman) Bachman. Janet graduated from Liberty High School and then St. Luke’s Nursing School as a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed gardening, attending to her flowers and working in her yard. Janet was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Frank and Claude Gebec; daughters- Janet Gebec, Carol and husband Angel Tapia, Chrissy and husband Chris Malozzi; grandchildren- Josh, Craig, Mason, DéAndre and Morgan; great grandson Logan; siblings- Earl Bachman, Helen Hodges, Nancy Billiard, Bill Bachman.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 7th 9:30-10:30AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM all in Holy Ghost Catholic Church 417 Carlton Ave Bethlehem, PA 18015. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Janet’s memory to the Wounded Warriors care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Dorothy Gallagher
Dorothy P. (Pleban) Gallagher, 88, of Allentown, passed away May 5, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Edward Gallagher. Born in Hazelton, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Pleban. Dorothy retired from working in the cafeteria for the Bethlehem School District. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and their 55 and Up Club, where she had served as Treasurer. Dorothy was a volunteer for Holy Family Manor for many years. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and keeping the Christmas Traditions alive with her family.
Survivors: son- Edward Gallagher Jr. and wife Mary of Northampton; daughters- Claire Ann and husband Russell Beebe of Nashville, TN, Ellen Ann Marie and husband Anthony Portantino of La Canada, CA; grandchildren- Kayla, Meghan and husband Dean Boyd, Sofia, Isabella, Tanya and husband Glen Graver and Krysta; great granddaughter- Ava. She was predeceased by her brother- Andrew and a sister- Helen.
Services will be Private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church or to Westminster Village care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
Linda Gaal
Linda Lane Gaal, age 72, died January 31st. Linda was married to Dr. Francis Gaal for 52 years. She was a graduate of Dieruff High School and Cedar Crest College. Linda worked in long-term care and retired as the Controller of Phoebe Ministries. She was the daughter of the late Alton and Dorothy Lane. She is survived by her sister Donna Hammersmith of Bethlehem and brother James of Mechanicsburg, PA. Linda enjoyed traveling, gardening and volunteer work.
Services private at Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Thursday, February 6th 6-8PM for dear friends and family.
Donations can be made to Historic Bethlehem.
Debra Gaspar
Debra Ann (Brown) Gaspar, 61, of Bethlehem Twp, passed away January 25, 2020. She was the loving wife of 36 years to David Gaspar. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of Sidney B. Brown and Josephine (Grello) Toth. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1976 and then from Northampton Community College with her Associates Degree in Library Science. She worked for Moravian College in the Library for 31 years. Debra was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing puzzles and cross stitch. Debra loved the beach and animals. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Survivors: husband- David Gaspar; children- Danielle M. Gaspar and David Michael “DJ” Gaspar, Esq. both of Bethlehem; parents- Sidney B. Brown and Josephine Toth; brothers- Sidney W. “Butch” Brown and wife Ann of Climax Springs, MO, Thomas J. Brown and wife Diane of Schnecksville; brother-in-laws- Al Macsay of Myrtle Beach, SC, Thomas Miller of Bethlehem; nieces and nephews.
A Calling Time will be held on Thursday, January 30th 6-8PM and Friday, January 31st 9:30-10:30AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Mass of Christian Burial will follow Friday at 11AM in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Debra’s memory to Moravian College c/o the Reeves Library or to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare.
Stephanie Gaal
Stephanie F. (Lizik) Gaal, 77, of Allentown, passed away October 9, 2019 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. She was the loving wife of 44 years to Joseph R. Gaal. Born in Homestead, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Helen (Petrick) Lizik. Stephanie was a 1960 graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School and Duff ́s Business School in Pittsburgh, PA. Years after the birth of her daughter Jessica, she worked for the Allentown School District, most notably in the Main Office of Louis E. Dieruff High School. Prior to retirement she also worked as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Food Services. Stephanie enjoyed baking, crafting, and venturing to the casino to win jackpots on the penny machines. She was an avid Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Stephanie also enjoyed watching the NY Yankees and PGA golf with her husband.
Stephanie was a member of Incarnation of Our Lord and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.
Survivors: Husband, Joseph, Daughter, Jessica Gaal of Allentown, Brothers: Richard A. Lizik (Marilyn) of Greentree PA. Stephen F. Lizik of Winchester, VA. Nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and sister, Anne Marie Nowowiejski.
A calling time will be held on Friday, October 25th 10 –11am with a Memorial Service at 11am in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Stephanie's memory to: The Sanctuary at Haafsville: PO Box 921 Fogelsville, PA 18051
Margaret Gangewere
Margaret Gangewere, 97, of Bethlehem, PA died on March 27, 2019 at the Little Sisters of the Poor residence in Newark, DE. Born in 1921, she was the daughter of Windish immigrants Frank and Louise Donchez. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years Robert Gangewere, also of Bethlehem and all of her siblings Frank, Theresa, Louise and Anne and a very special niece, Sister Josette. Margaret spent nearly 30 years working at Lehigh University and was very active in a multitude of volunteer opportunities at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St Luke's Hospital.
She is survived by her daughter Marguerite Donovan of Hockessin, DE and son Robert Jr and his wife Maureen of Norfolk, VA, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 1st at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 417 Carlton Ave, Bethlehem. A calling time will be held previously 10:30-11AM in the church. Burial will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery. In lieu of flowers request all memorials be made in memory of Margaret to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE 19713-2997. Arrangements entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.