Michael R. Hawk, 54, of Perkasie, passed away August 14, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of William Hawk Jr. and the late Donna (Brush) Hawk. Michael graduated from Liberty High School. He had previously worked in the Weis bakery, for William Hawk Painting and J’s Subs. Michael loved animals, enjoyed fishing and going to concerts. He will be forever in our thoughts.
Survivors: father- William Hawk Jr.; brothers- Matt Hawk and his wife Jessica, Bill Hawk III and his wife Shannon; many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be Private. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Edward J. Hearn, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away in his home on August 13, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Johnson) Hearn who he met at 17 years old. They would have been married 56 years in October. Born into a large family of cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins in Hazelton, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Ann (Generose) and Edward Lee Hearn. His family eventually settled and grew in Bethlehem where he chose to remain and raise a family of his own. He enjoyed the simple life of his childhood in the Kaywin development along with the summers he spent in Fairmont, West Virginia, the hometown of his father.
Ed graduated from Liberty High School in 1965 and later served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. During this time, he flew second seat as a TO (Technical Observer) in the OV-1B Mohawk, responsible for operating the aircraft's surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. He was grateful that he, unlike so many, was able to return home safely. He shared stories of this time throughout his life.
He began his career at Western Electric where he became a master machinist. He remained there through the many company changes, ultimately retiring from Agere Systems where he proudly served as the Union Vice President of IBEW Local 1522.
Edward was a devoted father to his two daughters, Kelly and Lori, who adored him beyond words. He cared greatly for his five siblings who as kids, referred to him as “Brother.” He enjoyed being a part of his giant extended family, and took a vested interest in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was so proud of all of them. He made and kept friends wherever he went and often made them feel like family as well. His grandson and granddaughter, whom he referred to as “his heart and soul,” were his obvious favorites. He loved to watch them perform and would be only too happy to share a video or photo to anyone who hung around for more than ten minutes.
He loved to share stories and often sang or whistled a tune as he moved throughout his day. He was a great listener and genuinely enjoyed hearing from others. He loved to golf and try his luck at the casino. He enjoyed travelling, good food, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. He was so much fun to be around and a darn good dancer, too.
Mr. Hearn, Edward, Eddie, Ed, Dad, Brother, and Pop-Pop, depending on how you knew him, will surely be remembered for his humor and wit, but mostly for his kindness. He treated everyone with respect and had a kind and generous heart that only became softer with time. He was quick to lend a hand whenever it was needed to friends and strangers alike.
He will be deeply missed but kept alive in our memories and actions until we meet again in Heaven.
Survivors: wife- Susan J. Hearn; daughters- Kelly Hearn and Lori Davidson wife of Nathan; grandchildren- Brady and Riley Davidson; siblings- Mary Moyer, Dolores Dalrymple and Thomas Hearn husband of Vanessa. He was predeceased by his siblings- Elizabeth Pass and Mark Hearn.
His family would like to invite everyone to join them for Military Honors on Sunday, September 14th at 12PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course 400 Illick’s Mill Rd Bethlehem, PA 18017 in the pavilion behind the Club House Grille Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Edward’s memory to Second Harvest of Lehigh Valley 6969 Silver Crest Road Nazareth, PA 18064.

Thomas M. Hartigan, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024 in his home with family by his side. He was the loving husband of the late Barbara J. (Trotter) Hartigan until her passing in 2006 and then to the late Katherine (Dugan) Hartigan until her passing in 2015. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Michael and Madeline (Lindley) Hartigan. Thomas graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Thomas was an passionate fisherman and avid world traveler, making multiple trips to Europe, Africa, India, Asia and South America. But above all Thomas loved spending time with his granddaughters and granddogs. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Thomas M. Hartigan Jr. and wife Mary Ann of Ogdensburg, NJ, Craig C. Hartigan and wife Krystal Lee of Schnecksville, Sean P. Hartigan and wife Holly of Fogelsville; 6 loving granddaughters, Katie, Maggie, Tori, Erin, Cara and Morgan. He was predeceased by his siblings, Margaret, Madeline, Ann, Mary and James.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 30th 5-7PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31st at 11:00AM 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 Thomas’s memory to Saints Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church in Bethlehem

Dolores E. (Jones) Hoffert, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away August 29, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late George W. Hoffert Jr. Born in Danielsville, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Chaffrey (Kocher) Jones. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors: children- Debra Patton and husband Ron of Bethlehem, Randy Hoffert of Bethlehem, Kathy Walker and husband George of NC, Krisann Szvetecz and husband Philip of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Michael and Matthew Patton, Jordan Hoffert, Skylar and Hailey Szvetecz; great grandchildren- Ryleigh and Quinlee Patton, Ariella Ritter; sister- Jean Holzinger. She was predeceased by her sister- Betty Neith.

Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

William J. Hancharik (86), beloved husband and father passed away Sunday, July 14. He is survived by JoAnn (Jarrett) Hancharik, his wife of nearly 65 years, son Kevin and wife Deena, daughter Kimberly Floyd and husband Andre, and daughter Karen McHale; grandchildren Zachary, Jarrett, Brett, and Bailey; and recent addition to the family, great-granddaughter Maeve.
Bill was employed by Lehigh Structural Steel for 26 years prior to his retirement. He was an avid fly fisherman and a constant source of support and encouragement to his children and grandchildren at whose performances, events, and activities he was a regular fixture. Bill had a lovely singing voice, and was a smooth dancer. He greatly enjoyed gathering with extended family and friends, for whom his presence will be sorely missed.
Service will be Private and are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Richard J. Huber, Jr., 66, of Allentown, passed away January 24, 2024. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Richard J. Huber Sr. and the late Janet (Lehrman) Huber. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for many years as a marine diesel mechanic, working on tug boats. Richard enjoyed watching NASCAR and football, especially the Eagles. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: father- Richard Huber, Sr.; daughters- Nicole Huber, Anna Jennings and husband Matt; granddaughter- Kara Huber; sisters- JoAnn Zwickl, Elizabeth Snyder, Marci Huber. He was predeceased by his brothers- Jonathan and Matthew Huber.

Services will be Private.

Frederick F. Horvath, 76, peacefully passed away on Thursday March 23, 2023, exactly 4 years after his loving wife Juliann M. (Shiner) Horvath, to whom he was happily married for 50 years. Born in Bethlehem, Frederick was a son of the late Francis and Barbara (Haddad) Horvath. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Fred was a faithful member of SS. Simon and Jude Church in Bethlehem and a graduate of Penn State University in electrical engineering. Prior to retiring he worked for PPL Electric for 42 years as a high voltage insulation tech. Fred was a member of IBEW and enjoyed coaching Lehigh Little League during the 1970's-1980's. He was a master woodworker but retired early to care for his loving wife who suffered from dementia. Surviving are his sons: Charles Horvath and Mark Horvath and his wife Nichole. Daughter: Michele wife of Samuel Odenwelder. Sister: Carol Brunnabend. Grandchildren: Nicholas & Lucy, Elias & Marcus. Fred was predeceased by his brother Charles Horvath. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 30, 2023 at 11:00AM in SS. Simon and Jude Church, Bethlehem. Calling Hour will be 10:00-11:00AM in the Church. Arrangements entrusted to the Downing Funeral Home.

Richard A. Heffernan, Sr. 84, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away on June 9, 2022 surrounded by the loving family he created. Richard lived a life dedicated to helping others and making the most of what God gave him. Richard, fondly known as “Pop” among his family, was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1937, the sixth of eight children, to the late John T. and Anna K. (Carkhuff) Heffernan. He attended St. Mary’s High School, Wilkes-Barre, where he made lifelong friends and played many pranks, which he continued to reminisce about through his final years. Richard met his wife, the late Dolores S. (Kascsak) Heffernan at a CYC dance. He and Dolores married on June 6,1959. Richard and Dolores started their family in 1960 when Linda was born, followed by Colette, Richard Jr., and Brian.

Richard served his community in numerous ways, starting with joining the U.S. Navy from 1956-1958. He then worked for Western Electric. In 1962, he and Dolores moved their family to Bethlehem, which Richard would call home for the next 60 years. Richard earned his Associate’s degree from Alvernia College in Criminal Justice and achieved a lifelong dream of working in law enforcement when he became a dedicated police officer for the Bethlehem Police Department. He took great pride in working for the city of Bethlehem and served in this role for 25 years. He remained an active member of the FOP. After serving on the police force, Richard enjoyed driving buses for both TransBridge and the Bethlehem School District.

Despite his busy work schedule, Richard continued to make time for volunteer work. Richard was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church for many years, volunteering in a multitude of roles, serving as a member of Knights of Columbus and 55 Club. He also spent many hours volunteering at St. Luke’s VNA. Throughout all of these roles, he appreciated any conversation he had with his friends and fellow volunteers both old and new. That is not to say that Richard did not also take time to relax. He always made time for family vacations, catching up with old friends, and simply enjoying a cup of coffee on his front porch. He valued time with his family and supported them by attending countless sporting events, award ceremonies, and graduations throughout the years, whether they were a quick car ride or a long plane ride away.

We will deeply miss many things about Pop, but especially his love of coffee and Yuengling, singing extra ‘Happy Birthday’ verses, his reminders to write dates on photographs, and his easy-going, kind, and generous nature. Anyone who was lucky enough to spend time with Pop can confirm the world is a better place for having him here.

Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Dolores, parents John and Anna Heffernan, and siblings, John, Tom, Joseph, Alexander, Jule, and Margaret.

Survivors include children: Linda Gulla and husband Anthony of Coopersburg, Colette Heffernan of Bethlehem, Richard Heffernan Jr. and wife Christine of Bethlehem, Brian Heffernan and wife Beth Ann of Bethlehem; sister, Mary Williams and husband Tom of Mascoutah, Illinois; grandchildren Kristine (Phil), Elizabeth (Chris), Theresa Gulla, and Lindsey, Luke, and Brady Heffernan; great-granddaughter, Bridget Celona; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services: A Calling Time will be held on Monday, June 20th 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Richard’s memory to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church or Padre Pio Memorial Gift, 111 Barto Rd, Barto, PA 19504.