Rita D. Rohrbach, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 28, 2018. She was the loving spouse of the late Edwin Rohrbach who preceded her on January 14, 2018. Born in Philadelphia, Rita was the daughter of the late Carlo and Antionette (Gentile) Tomassi. She was a devout member of Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Rita worked as a seamstress throughout her life at various garment factories, including Rosenthal’s in Philadelphia, Bethleon Togs in Bethlehem, and Casco in Hellertown. Even after retirement, she could always be found with a needle in her hand. Rita was a member of the “Busy Bee’s” and Senior Group at her church and loved to help out with various charitable fundraisers. She and her husband loved to travel. Surviving Rita are her sons: John of Naples, Fl, and Joseph and his wife Diane of Bethlehem. Rita is also survived by her five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters, as well as her sister Rose Porto. She was preceded in death by her siblings Felix, Emily and Virginia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:30 am in Ss. Simon and Jude Church, 730 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem. Calling hours will be from 10:30-11:30 am in the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in her memory to her church or St. Luke’s Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Downing Funeral Home, Inc., Bethlehem.

Edwin R. Rohrbach, 84, of Bethlehem, passed away January 14, 2018. He was the loving husband of 43 years to Rita (Tomassi) DiRado Rohrbach. Born in Hellertown, he was the son of the late Eddie P. and Elsie I. (Groff) Rohrbach. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Edwin retired from the U.S. Postal service in 1990, after 27 years of service. He also worked part time for WLVT TV. He was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Edwin served as a past Union President of the Letter Carriers Union and the Rural Carriers Union. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catasauqua American Legion and the National Assoc. Retired Federal Employees.

wife- Rita Rohrbach; sons- John DiRado of Naples, FL, Joseph DiRado and wife Diane of Bethlehem; 5 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother- Gary Rohrbach.

A viewing will be held Thursday, January 18th 10-11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM all in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in Edwin’s memory to the church care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Agnes P. (Phillipovich) Rochford, 94, of Bethlehem, passed away July 29, 2016 at Holy Family Manor. She was the loving wife of the late James J. Rochford. Born in Lansford, she was the daughter of the late Emro and Rosalie (Cech)Phillipovich. Agnes worked as a seamstress for various factories in the Lehigh Valley before her retirement. She was a former member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Agnes enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and loved sports including the New York Yankees, Duke Basketball and Notre Dame Football.

Survivors: Daughter- Patricia Martin; Granddaughter- Kristin Osipower and husband Robert; Great Grandchildren- Tyler, Bryan, Kevin and Analise Osipower. She was predeceased by 11 Siblings- Joseph, Michael, Stephen, John, Charles, Emro, Mary, Paulette, Cecelia, Ann and Pauline; Sister-In-Law- Florence Varga; Brother-In-Laws- Joseph Purcell, Thomas & John Rochford.

A calling time will be held on Friday 12-1PM with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1PM in Holy Family Manor’s St. Annes Chapel 1200 Spring St. (use Prospect Ave entrance) Bethlehem. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Agnes’ memory to Holy Family Manor, 1200 Spring St, Bethlehem, Pa 18018 .

Marie I. (Muschlitz) Ronyack, 91, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2015 in her home. She was the loving wife of the late William J. Ronyack. Born in Bethlehem, Marie was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mary (Rupple) Muschlitz. Marie worked for many years as a Nurse at St Luke’s Hospital. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and was a former President of the Women’s Group at the YWCA. Marie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.



Survivors:

Sons- William P. and wife Nanette Ronyack of Bethlehem, Robert and wife Jane Ronyack of Bethlehem; Grandchildren- Dana and husband Dale Davis, Dustin, Loren, Kristi Ronyack, Jared Brader and wife Tricia and Jessica Brader- Taylor; Great Grandchildren- Declan Davis, Ayden, Shea, Bryn, Emery and Adam; Brothers- Edward Harold Muschlitz and Jimmy Muschlitz; Sisters- Arlene Saloky and Helen “Dolly” Ehrsam and husband Otto.

She was predeceased by siblings- Milton “Bud” Muschlitz, Clarence “Mike” Muschlitz, and Eva Hines.



A viewing will be held on Sunday 3-5PM and Monday 9:15-10AM with a Funeral Service Monday at 10AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie’s memory to the Toys for Tots 1400 Postal Rd Allentown, PA 18109.

Luis Ramos Bethlehem Luis Ramos, 82, of Bethlehem passed away August 7, 2015. He was the loving husband of Nerida M. Molina. Born in Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Jesus Ramos and Josefina Pizarro. Luis was an avid reader and like to take walks. Luis was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church.

Survivors: Wife- Neridea Molina, Sons- Edwin Rodriguez of Bethlehem and Wilfredo and wife Betsy Rodriguez of Ottsville, Grandson- Richard and companion Dana, Grandson- Raymond, Granddaughters- Nina and Rachael, Many Great and Great Great Grandchildren He was predeceased by his brother Raphael Ramos.

Services: A graveside service only will be held on Aug 12 at 10:30AM in Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Patricia A. (Schadl) Repsher, 57, of Nazareth, passed away February 23, 2015. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Marion V. (Reenock) Schadl Jr. Patricia retired from Gracedale Nursing Home as a LPN after 20 years of service. She was of the Catholic Faith.

Survivors:
Children- Christopher Malozzi and wife Kathrine, Nicole DeSpain and husband David, and Matthew Malozzi; Grandchildren- Ethan, Olivia, Luke, Jack, Mason and Skyler; Sisters- Regina Gosling, Susan Agentis, Mary Frances Janicik and Antoinette Clauss.

A calling time will be held Friday 10-11AM with a Memorial Service at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Ozzie Rivas, 52, of Bethlehem, passed away November 18, 2014. He was the loving husband of 28 years to Millie A. (Austria) Rivas. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Pablo and Luisa (Nieves Ruiz) Rivas. Ozzie served in the U.S. Marine Corp. earning the badges for Expert Rifle 3 times, the Pistol Sharpshooter, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Ozzie was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church. He was also a Shop Steward of Teamsters Union #773.

Survivors:
Wife- Millie A. Rivas; Daughters- Catalina-Louise Austria Rivas and husband Ali Kobeissi, Miko Austria Rivas and fiancé Andrew Weaver; Grandson- Adrian Ali Kobeissi; Brothers- Hector Ortiz and Pablo Jr.; Sisters- Myrtha Rodriquez, Iris Melendez, Ivonne Rivas, Judy Diaz, Evelyn Rivas and Caroline Cuevas; Goddaughter- Aja Austria.

A viewing will be held Sunday 2-4PM and Monday 9-10AM with a service at 10AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ozzie’s memory to Holy Infancy School.

Victor M. Rola, 59, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2014. He was the loving husband of 34 years to Maria C. (Ponte) Rola. Born in Portugal, he was the son of the late Avelino Rola and Maria Luz Oliveira. He served as a Green Beret in Portugal. Victor worked previously for Pact Construction. He was a member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church and the Portuguese American Club.

Survivors: Wife- Maria C. Rola. Sons- Victor P. Rola and wife Jamie of Bethlehem. Matthew P. Rola of Bethlehem. Sister- Ercilia Oliveira and husband Domingos Campos in Portugal

Services: A viewing will be held on Tuesday 8-9:30AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St Bethlehem, PA 18018. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM in Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA 18015. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Contributions: Donations can be made in Victor's memory to Holy Infancy Catholic Church care of the funeral home.