Laurel Marie (Houda) Sickler, 87, formerly of National Park, passed away October 10, 2018 in Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem, PA. She was the daughter of the late Frederick F. and Irene (Hyller) Houda. Laurel was a magical, spiritual person, a lifelong learner who loved her family and all children. She served her community as a beloved teacher and reading specialist for 30-years, and in retirement on the National Park Land Use Board, and the Gloucester Co. Juvenile Court Youth Services. She graduated with honors from Union Co. College, Western College for Women, and with her M.A. in Reading from Rowan University. Laurel was an avid naturalist, talented artist and storyteller.
She will be deeply missed by her children: Mary Sharp-Ross and husband John Ross, Thomas Sharp, Frederick Sharp, and Christopher Sharp, Laureen Griffin and husband Joe Griffin, Judith Iacovelli, and 10 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Jere Sickler.

A calling time will be held on Saturday, October 13th 11AM-12PM with a Memorial Service at 12PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Contributions can be made in Laurel’s memory to Holy Family Manor’s Resident Activities Fund 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

William J. Siska, 93, of Bethlehem, passed away August 12, 2018. Born in DePue, IL he was the son of the late Frances and Aton Siska. He was the husband of the late M. Jean Siska. William served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII and retired from Durkee Foods in 1988.
Surviving is his son- Scott Siska of Bethlehem. He was predeceased by his son- Robert, brother- Frank and sister- Julia Baley.
Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Joseph S. Seier, of Slatington, PA passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018. He was husband of the late Sharon (Marsteller) Seier and son of the late Joseph and Maria (Gasper) Seier of Bethlehem, PA. Joe attended Notre Dame High School and Lehigh University. After college he served in the Army and Army Reserve rising to the rank of Captain and was stationed in Germany before returning home to Pennsylvania. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, and jump wings. Throughout his life Joe was a man of many interests, including Kung-Fu, fishing, target shooting, reading, collecting, and cooking. He was compassionate and had empathy for those in need. Through much of his later years he was a devoted caregiver to his mother, father and wife. Those who entered his home were welcomed as a part of the family not just guests. He was a loving husband, father and friend to everyone who knew him.
Survivors: Son Brandon, his wife Jessica and children Charles and Ella of Richmond, VA.
Services: A viewing will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 10AM-11AM, followed by an 11AM service at Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial in Bethlehem Memorial Park, Bethlehem. www.downingfuneralhome.com
Contributions: Friends and family may send flowers or contributions to the Children’s Home of Easton in memory of Joseph S. and Sharon L. Seier.
thechildrenshome.org

David P. Smith, 30, of Bethlehem, passed away March 26, 2018. Born in Allentown, he was the loving son of Catherine “Ann” (Gottwald) Smith and Milton Smith. He attended Liberty High School and worked as a mechanic. David enjoyed working on cars, fishing, getting tattoos and cared for all animals, especially his snake and dog “Boomer.”

Survivors: mother- Catherine Smith; father- Milton Smith husband of Stephanie Smith; siblings- Robert Cavey husband of Kristen Zambo- Cavey, Craig Smith husband of Gloria Smith, Russell Cavey husband of Brenda Cavey, Bradley Smith, M.D., Gretchen Devers wife of Michael Devers, Garrett Smith husband of Chrissy Smith, Cameron Smith, Owen Smith, Ava Smith and Lucas Smith; 7 nieces and nephews.

A calling time will be held on Saturday, March 31st 9-11AM with a Service at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in David’s memory to Peaceable Kingdom PO Box 424 Whitehall, PA 18052.

Margaret (Gaspar) M. Stefanik, 92, of Bethlehem, passed away December 6, 2017. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph R. Stefanik Jr. Born in Hellertown, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Ann (Petko) Gaspar. Margaret was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. She was a member of the former Bethlehem Steel Club and enjoyed watching football, baseball and reality tv shows. She was an excellent cook and baker.

Survivors: daughter- Denise wife of Eugene Shearer of Macungie, PA; the love of her life, her granddaughter- Ashley wife of Brian Unfried of Manheim, PA; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter- Deborah J. Stefanik, 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

Services: Services were held privately for the family care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Harold “Harry” E. Schaefer, 72, of Bethlehem, passed away October 19, 2017. He was the loving husband of 33 years to Karen M. (Moore) Schaefer. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Harold and Dorothy (Shafton) Schaefer. Harry retired from Bethlehem Area VoTech, having taught carpentry for 30 years. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Bethlehem and was a former member of Bethlehem J.C.’s. He had coached Little League in Hokendauqua and was a member of the Catasauqua YMCA Indian Guys. Harry volunteered for the Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot. His greatest love was camping and traveling with his wife.

Survivors: wife- Karen; sons- James and wife Angie of Colorado and Daniel and wife Lori of Allentown; 3 grandchilden- Jay, Camryn and Anthony; sister- Rosalyn Lynch of Allentown.

A Celebration Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Harry’s memory to Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot P.O. Box 373 Bethlehem, PA 18016.

Rose A. (Ruth) Sabota, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away September 19, 2017. She was the loving wife of the late George B. Sabota. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Anne (Roach) Ruth. Rose graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1948. She was a life long member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Rose retired as a records clerk for the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. She liked to play Bingo, do crosswords and she loved cats. Rose liked to watch professional Philadelphia sports teams but most of all she loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors: daughter- Georgeanne and husband John O’Keefe of Telford; sons- Phillip and wife Christina of Crofton, MD, Paul and wife Tammy of Crofton, MD; grandchildren- Chelsea, Kyle, Abigail, Johnny, Erin, Aubrey, Christian and Cooper; beloved cat- Ruby. She was predeceased by her infant son- Matthew and siblings- Joseph Ruth, Edward Ruth, Mary Kozul and Jeanne Witwer.

A viewing will be held on Monday Sept. 25th 6-8PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Tuesday Sept. 26th, everything will be held in St. Anne’s Catholic Church 450 E. Washington Ave Bethlehem, with a viewing 9-10AM and Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s memory to your local animal shelter.

Louis P. Savenelli, 74, of Bethlehem, passed away May 6, 2017. Born in West Haven, CT, he was the son of the late Louis and Lilly (Nicotra) Savenelli. Louis served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in CT, received his Bachelor’s from New Haven University and his Masters Degree from Dartmouth College. Throughout his life Lou lived in Connecticut, Woodstock, VT, Scottsdale, AZ and most recently Bethlehem, PA. Lou retired as a manger from Honeywell, after many years of service in communications. He attended Unity of the Lehigh Valley and the Sierra Club. Louis enjoyed being an active volunteer at Lehigh Valley Health Network as well as hiking, genealogy, blogging and writing adventure stories for his grandchildren.


Survivors: Sons- Michael and wife Jennifer of Alexandria, VA, Jason and wife Laura of Bethlehem; Grandchildren- Sofia and Nate; Brothers- Charles Savinelli and wife Anne of West Haven, CT, Thomas Savinelli and wife Candy of Waterville, ME; Long Time Companion- Joanne Pamperin of Scottsdale, AZ; Former Wife- Ginger Savenelli of Fountain Hills, AZ; many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Louis’s memory to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Volunteer Dept. or to Unity of the Lehigh Valley.