William F. "Bill" Werner, 73, of Bethlehem passed away peacefully June 28, 2017 in the arms of his earth angel Lucille. His encouraging, strong, positive attitude, lively sports conversations, quick wit and humor made Bill a friend of all. Bill's omnipresence will allow our spirit to be filled by him for years to come.


There will be a gravesite service with Military honors at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In addition, a local Celebration of Life will be planned. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.


Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations made in Bill's memory to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, Development Department, 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 or online donations to goodshepherdrehab.org/donation-form will support the Optimal Fitness Center.

Robert C. Williamson, 100, of Bethlehem, passed away November 3, 2016 at Moravian Village. He was the loving husband of the late Virginia (Lorenzini) Williamson who passed away in 2015. Born in Los Angeles, CA, he was the son of the late Burt and Minnie (Kenyon) Williamson. Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII and was stationed for a period of time in Spokane, Washington. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern California. He was a professor of sociology at Los Angeles City College and was Professor Emeritus at Lehigh University having founded the Department of Sociology at Lehigh in 1963 and remaining there as a professor for 21 years before retiring. In conjunction with his academic and professional work, Robert wrote or co-authored 12 books in the fields of sociology and linguistics. He was an extensive traveller visiting over 95 countries including some for research projects and sabbatical programs. In addition to enjoying travel with his family and time with his many friends, Bob had a passion for opera, cinema, and foreign languages. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley and a supporter of many charitable organizations. He had a zest for life, genuine curiosity about all things, and will be missed by loving friends and family.

Bob is survived by his son Larry and wife Carol of Chatham, NJ; son Eric and wife Kathleen of Pleasantville, NY; and grandchildren Matthew, Julie, Graham and Corinne. He is survived by his sister Neva Smith of San Diego, CA and was predeceased by his brother Lloyd.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday November 10th at 11am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St. Bethlehem, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Robert’s memory to Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Frances H. (Ernst) Wasko, 80, of Bethlehem, passed away October 14, 2016. She was the loving wife of almost 60 years to Richard G. Wasko. Born in Stiles, she was the daughter of the late John and Josephine (Holzer) Ernst. She was last employed by Victoria Vogue.

Survivors:
Husband- Richard G. Wasko, Sons- Richard Wasko, Jr. and wife Linda of Bethlehem, Gregory P. Wasko of Bethlehem, Christopher and wife Judy Wasko of Leesburg, VA; Grandchildren- Mark, Matthew, Joshua, Jacob and Anna Claire Wasko; Sisters- Joanne Gross and Charles of Stuart, FL, Hilda Laub of Whitehall.

A calling time will be held on Saturday Oct 22nd 10-11AM with a Memorial Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Mary Grace (Sweeney) Wersinger, beloved wife of Arthur M., passed away on March 28, 2016.

She is survived by her four children and two grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to call Saturday at 10:00am, followed by her funeral mass at 10:30am at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA. Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Rose A. (Kozielec) Wrigley, 85, formerly of Morristown, NJ, passed away December 9, 2015 at her home in Bethlehem, PA. She was the loving wife of the late George E. Wrigley. Born in New Brunswick, she was the daughter of the late John and Rose (Weglarz) Kozielec. Rose worked as a bookkeeper for many years at Green Brook Manor Nursing Home. She served as a past President of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the American Legion Post #119 in Dunellen.

Survivors:
Children- Kathleen Baron wife of the late Joseph of FL, Kenneth Geschardt and wife Sandy of PA, Thomas Geschardt of NJ, Robert Geschardt of FL, Daniel and wife Reagan of NJ; 9 Grandchildren; 9 Great Grandchildren; Brother- Frank Kozielec of TX.

A viewing will be held on Monday 9-10AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM all in Church of Christ the King 16 Blue Mill Rd New Vernon, NJ 07976. Burial to follow in Mendham (Hilltop) Cemetery. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rose’s memory to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare 1165 Island Park Rd Easton, PA 18042.

Robert L. Wetherhold, Jr. 67, of Bethlehem, passed away November 6, 2014 surrounded by his family who adored him. He was the loving husband of 44 years to Mercedes (O'Reilly) Wetherhold. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Robert L. Wetherhold, Sr. and the late Joyce Leh Wetherhold. Bob served in the U.S. Airforce during the Vietnam War. He retired from Rentschler Chevrolet doing the job that he loved after 30 years of service. Bob was a member of the Allentown Area Corvette Club since 1981. His biggest passion in life was his family. Bob was the most amazing grandfather. He especially loved to watch his grandchildren's wrestling matches, football games and recitals.

Survivors:
Wife- Mercedes C. Wetherhold; Son- Robert L. Wetherhold III and wife Liz of Allentown; Daughter- Amy Wuertele and husband Dan of Bethlehem; Grandchildren- Robert IV, Cole, Cassidy and Reilly; Sister- Brenda Messner and husband Herbie of Allentown; Step-Brother- Jerry Leh and wife Judi of Bethlehem; Niece- Olivia Leh.

Bob's passing will leave a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.


A calling time will be held on Wednesday from 9:30 -11:30AM with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:30AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Jeanne M. (Reilly) White, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013. She was the loving wife of the late Thomas G. White. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late James and Mary Reilly. She was a former member of Holy Infancy Catholic Church, Bethlehem and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, New Hope.

Survivors:
Daughter- Anne White
Grandson- Mark Scammell
Great Grandson- Tyler Podlipski
Niece- Jane (Maley) Smith
Many Nieces and Nephews
She was predeceased by her daughter- Mary White, brother- Robert Reilly, sisters- Lucille Maley and Geraldine Lawson.

A calling time will be held Thursday 9:30-10AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM all in Holy Infancy Catholic Church 312 E. 4th St Bethlehem 18015. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made in her memory to Holy Infancy Catholic Church.

Ruth Ann V. (Dolphin) Whalen, 84, of Bethlehem, passed away March 20, 2013. She was the loving wife of the late Thomas Whalen and previously the late Bernard McCaffery. Born in Luzerne, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Veronica (Best) Dolphin. She was a member of Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church and their Seniors and Auxiliary. She was also a member the Seniors of Bethlehem.

Survivors:
Children: Darlene Patricia Hyman
Kathleen Young
John McCaffery
Maureen Persons
Noreen McCaffery Coffin
Kevin McCaffery
Dennis McCaffery
Patricia Lohman
Grandchildren
Great Grandchildren
She was predeceased by daughter- Deirdre McCaffery and a granddaughter- Krista Young.

A viewing will be held Monday 9:15-10AM with a service at 10AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.