Andrew J. Sarko, 99 years old and a longtime resident of Bethlehem, PA passed away September 27, 2026. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Postenyi) Sarko. Andrew was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in WWII. He retired from the Northampton County Courthouse. He was an avid Phillies fan. Andrew was passionate about his garden and enjoyed sharing his produce with friends. He also enjoyed meeting the guys for coffee and really liked riding the bus to the casino. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Mary (Fischer) Sarko of 57 years. He is survived by his loving children Mary Lou Straka (Steve), William Sarko (Louise), Edward Sarko (Nancy) and Nancy Newhard (Rich); grandchildren Matthew Newhard (Ally) and Melissa Newhard (Rob). Andrew was also predeceased by his granddaughter Amy Straka and all 8 of his elder siblings.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1st 11:30AM-1:00PM with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrew’s memory to Sights for Hope 845 W. Wyoming St. Allentown, PA 18103.

Joan Anne (Cassidy) Stofanak, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away May 4, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Stofanak. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Mildred (Reed) Cassidy. Joan graduated from Central Catholic High School and was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. She enjoyed going to the beach and to the casino. She will be deeply missed.



Survivors: sisters- Ellen Charlton wife of the late Michael, Mary Rummel and husband Reed; nieces & nephews- Ken Rummel, Kim Ferroni and Shawn Cassidy; great nieces & nephews- Ethan, Max, Claudia and Gabrielle Ferroni, Alyssa and Alex Rummel.



Services were held Privately for the family.



In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.

Michael T. Shaffer, 58, of Bethlehem, passed away on January 17, 2026. He was the loving husband of 35 years to Kathleen O’Malley and the dedicated father of Christopher, Ethan, and Matthew.

Born in Denville, NJ, he was the son of Katherine (Keim) Shaffer and the late Gilbert Shaffer. The youngest of five children (sister Cathy; brothers Steve, Greg, and Tim), Michael maintained a strong bond with his siblings throughout his life. He cherished their annual beach week at Long Beach Island that brought together his parents, siblings, and eventually, their spouses, children, nieces, and nephews year after year. In a very large and ever-growing family filled with big personalities, Michael’s joyous presence always stood out.

Michael moved to Bethlehem to attend Moravian University where he became an integral part of the campus community, well known and beloved by students and faculty alike. There, he made many lifelong friends, including the love of his life, Kathleen O’Malley. Michael and Kathy brought out the best in each other. They were inseparable and complemented each others’ personalities in every way. Michael and Kathy were a perfect fit. The two were joyfully married at the campus chapel and settled in their college town to start their family and careers. Michael continued on to earn his Master's Degree from Kutztown, all while working and raising his young children.

As Michael's boys grew, he was proud to support them in pursuing their interests while also introducing them to his own. Michael was an avid comic book collector and shared that passion with his children by introducing them to the characters, themes, and ideals that drew him in as a child. In exchange, he developed a passion for their interests as well. He took great joy in attending all of their events from the time they were young. Even in recent years, he always prioritized his sons’ soccer games and musical performances. Together, the family developed a shared love for cheering on Premier League and MLS soccer teams, listening to music, and watching TV and movies.

Michael also had a special place in his heart for his beloved dog, Jenny. And to Jenny, Michael was her person. She eagerly watched the door every day for him to get home. They spent their time together playing in the back yard and just enjoying each other’s company. On their daily walks, Michael was widely recognized in the neighborhood, always offering a welcoming hello and ready to listen and share with everyone around him. He made lifelong friends with many neighbors. Michael loved his community and shared it with others by hosting friends and family for events like Christkindlmarkt, the Parade of Shamrocks, and Musikfest.

Michael’s love for family and community extended far beyond his own. He dedicated his entire professional career to Pinebrook Family Answers, a nonprofit family services organization. Beginning in 1989 as a caseworker, Michael ultimately rose to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Over more than three decades, he became a steady, compassionate presence whose influence shaped the organization as deeply as his kindness touched the people within it. He will be long remembered for his ever‑present smile, his caring nature, the cheerful whistle that echoed through Pinebrook’s hallways, and even his endearing love of a bright parking vest—small but cherished reflections of his joyful spirit. Guided by a profound commitment to meeting families where they are, Michael strengthened Pinebrook’s mission and impact on countless children and families.

His dedication extended even further through his service with the Pool Fellowship for Health, the Pennsylvania Council of Children and Youth and Family Services, and the Project Child Advisory Committee of the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, leaving a legacy of leadership, generosity, and heart.

Michael brought joy and happiness everywhere he went. He was well known for his big smile and infectious laugh. He will be deeply missed by many.

Michael is survived by his wife Kathy; mother Kay; sons Chris (Liz), Ethan (Annika), and Matt (Cait); siblings Cathy (Dave), Steve (Michele), Greg (Eleanor), and Tim (Jaqueline); and beloved dog Jenny. He also leaves a large family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Services: On Friday, January 30th, a Calling Time will be held at Downing Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00PM. On Saturday, January 31st, a Calling Time will be held at Rosemont Lutheran Church from 9:00-10:00AM with a funeral service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Michael Shaffer Memorial Fund at Pinebrook Family Answers (www.pbfalv.org).

Walter F. Sullivan, Jr., 84, of Bethlehem, passed away at home on December 29, 2025. He was
the husband of the late Leslie (DeForest) Sullivan. They were married for 52 years. Born in
Staten Island, NY, he was the son of the late Kathryn (O’Brien) and Walter F. Sullivan, Sr. Walt
worked for Durkee Foods in Bethlehem for many years. He enjoyed traveling with family and
attending the sporting events and activities of his 6 grandchildren. He was a lifelong golfer and
an avid reader. He will be deeply missed.
Walt is survived by his children Kevin Sullivan and his wife Catherine, Ryan Sullivan and his
wife Becky, and Stacey Gowen and her husband Bob, and by grandchildren Aidan and Liam
Sullivan, Chloe and Quinn Sullivan and Caley and Sean Gowen. He is also survived by
brothers Brien Sullivan of NY and Quin Sullivan of VA. He was predeceased by sister Carol
Sullivan.
Services will be private for the family.
Contributions can be made in Walter’s memory to the Bethlehem Area Public Library.

Melissa M. Sienicki, 48, of Bethlehem, passed away April 8, 2025. She was the loving wife of Kyle P. Dietterich. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of Mary (Gorman) Sienicki and the late Robert Sienicki. Melissa graduated from Albright University with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She worked in Arbitration for Farmers Insurance. She was a master cook, logistical wizard, graceful wife, and the kindest friend anyone could ever ask for. We all owe her for teaching us so much what being a wonderful person meant, and the world is poorer for having lost her. We will miss her terribly.
Survivors: husband- Kyle Dietterich, mother- Mary Sienicki, brother- Aaron Sienicki, sister-Rebecca Sienicki, niece- Holly Smalle. She was predeceased by her brother- Daniel Sienicki.
A calling time will be held Tuesday, April 15th 9-10AM with a Service at 10AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Melissa’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital care of the funeral home.

Walter B. Smith, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away September 17, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Theresa D. (Dominko) Smith. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Elizabeth (Wassaha) Smith. Walter graduated from Lehigh University. He was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Walter retired from Bethlehem Steel as a claims adjuster. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: daughters- Diane Briones wife of the late David, Debbie Murphy and her husband Ed; grandchildren- Katie, Mary, Zachary, Nicholas, Sara and John; great grandchildren- Charlotte and Andrew.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the church in Walter’s memory.

Neil J. Schlottman, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away May 21, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Marie G. (Atmore) Schlottman. Born in Pottsville, he was the son of the late Gordon and Regina (O’Neill) Schlottman. Neil graduated from Fountain Hill High School and then served in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the Philadelphia Police Dept. Highway Patrol Unit and Motorcycle Drill Team after 15 years of service. He then retired from Moravian College’s Campus Safety & Police after 30 years of service. Neil was a member of the Faternal Order of Police Philadelphia Lodge #5 and Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Ann Marie Schlottman and her companion Michael Leach, son- Jack Schlottman and spouse Rebecca Schnur, granddaughter- Ava Schlottman.
A calling time will be held on Thursday, May 30th 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM all 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 Neil’s memory to his family to assist in his end of life expenses care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Robert D. Sienicki, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away April 29, 2024. He was the loving husband of 50 years to Mary C. (Gorman) Sienicki. Robert had worked for Hess’s Dept. Store for many years before working at local warehouses. He was a member of Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church where he helped run the sound room. Robert enjoyed walking his dog “Angel Eyes”, was a storyteller and loved older classic country music. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: wife- Mary Sienicki; children- Melissa Sienicki and husband Kyle Dietterich, Aaron Sienicki and wife Sharae, Rebecca Sienicki; grandchildren- Holli Smale and Denise Hill; daughter-in-law- Heidi Sienicki. He was predeceased by his son- Daniel and brother- Paul.
A calling time will be held on Tuesday, May 14th 10-11AM with a Service to follow at 11AM all in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church 3100 Hecktown Rd Bethlehem, PA 18020. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Robert’s memory to the church.