Eileen A. (Hollendersky) Burkhardt, 81, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully September 9, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late William A. Burkhardt, who passed in 2002. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Hugya) Hollendersky. Eileen graduated from Central Catholic High School and worked for many years in bookkeeping, retiring from Lehigh Valley Humane Society where she had worked as their front desk manager. She was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Eileen enjoyed baking, knitting and walking her dog. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors: children- Tammymarie Burkhardt, Todd A. Burkhardt husband of Demeisa, Stephanie M. Skyriotis wife of the late Peter; grandchildren- Brittany, Lauren, Bobby, Abigail, Evi and Ellie; great grandson- Matixx; sister- Maryjane Pickard; brother-in-law- Bernard Kita. She was predeceased by her brother- George Hollendersky, sister- Anna Mae Kita, granddaughter- Lauren Burkhardt.

Services will be Private.

Celeste Roney, 77, of Bethlehem, died peacefully on September 3, 2025 surrounded by her children. Born in Detroit, MI she was the daughter of the late Charles and Maureen (Cunningham) Roney. Celeste was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and found much solace and grounding in her faith. She spent many years working for the Youthful You Program of the Lehigh Valley Health Network where she answered phones, scheduled massages, made lifelong friends and greeted everyone with warmth and kindness. She also spent her working days in advertising at WJBR in Detroit, as an aerobics instructor for the Jewish Community Center of Allentown and as a friendly, but no-nonsense bus driver for Northwestern Lehigh School District.
Raised in Detroit, Celeste lived for music. She was an avid participant in her drum circle class at Lutheran Manor. She sang and danced her way through life. And, in her later years, did so with a walker if she had to. She loved bird watching, road tripping and was the self-proclaimed #1 fan of Sir Paul McCartney. Her big blue eyes, and wide smile lit up a room and she was always the life of every party.
To say she will be missed would be the understatement of the century.
She is survived by her three children, Cynthia Ruckdeschel, Daniel John Ruckdeschel, Anne Marie Ruckdeschel; bonus daughter, Abby Feinstein; grandsons, Henry Daniel Feinstein and Murphy Charles Feinstein; sisters, Susan Roney Drennan and Marty Roney; niece, Maureen Drennan; and nephew, Paul Gagner. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Pellerito, Belle Henzel, Chickie Roney and Sara Roney.
Celeste was very clear that in the event of her death she would like a party. A gathering will be held on Sunday, September 14th from 2-5pm at Bicentennial Park, Pavillion A in East Allen Township. Address 5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Bring your stories and dancing shoes.

Celeste Roney, 77, of Bethlehem, died peacefully on September 3, 2025 surrounded by her children. Born in Detroit, MI she was the daughter of the late Charles and Maureen (Cunningham) Roney. Celeste was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and found much solace and grounding in her faith. She spent many years working for the Youthful You Program of the Lehigh Valley Health Network where she answered phones, scheduled massages, made lifelong friends and greeted everyone with warmth and kindness. She also spent her working days in advertising at WJBR in Detroit, as an aerobics instructor for the Jewish Community Center of Allentown and as a friendly, but no-nonsense bus driver for Northwestern Lehigh School District.
Raised in Detroit, Celeste lived for music. She was an avid participant in her drum circle class at Lutheran Manor. She sang and danced her way through life. And, in her later years, did so with a walker if she had to. She loved bird watching, road tripping and was the self-proclaimed #1 fan of Sir Paul McCartney. Her big blue eyes, and wide smile lit up a room and she was always the life of every party.
To say she will be missed would be the understatement of the century.
She is survived by her three children, Cynthia Ruckdeschel, Daniel John Ruckdeschel, Anne Marie Ruckdeschel; bonus daughter, Abby Feinstein; grandsons, Henry Daniel Feinstein and Murphy Charles Feinstein; sisters, Susan Roney Drennan and Marty Roney; niece, Maureen Drennan; and nephew, Paul Gagner. She was predeceased by her siblings, Mary Pellerito, Belle Henzel, Chickie Roney and Sara Roney.
Celeste was very clear that in the event of her death she would like a party. A gathering will be held on Sunday, September 14th from 2-5pm at Bicentennial Park, Pavillion A in East Allen Township. Address 5351 Park West Lane, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Bring your stories and dancing shoes.

Barbara Davis, 70, of Northampton, PA passed away August 14, 2025. She was the loving wife of James Davis. Barb was born in Bethlehem, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Peter P. and Frances M. (Fuhrman) Faleski. Barb graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA, Burlington Community College in Burlington, NJ and Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Barb was a Registered Nurse, ER Department Manager, and Director of Nursing. Barb began the Sexual Assault Unit in the ER Department at 17th and Chew. She worked for Lehigh Valley Hospital and Westfield Hospital.
She was a member of the St Joseph the Worker in Orefield. Barb was an avid cruiser and has taken more than 50 cruises. While on the ship she enjoyed playing bingo, snorkeling, attending shows and going to the casino. She also enjoyed being with the grandchildren, doing crafts and arranging flowers. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- James R. Davis, children- James A. Davis and wife Stacey, Jason Davis, Bradley Davis and wife Margaret, grandchildren- Hanna, Chase, Makayla, Emily and Natalie, siblings- Henry A Faleski, Karen D Luise, Frances S Beaver and David P Faleski. She was predeceased by her sibling- Peter Faleski.
A viewing will be held Saturday, August 23rd 11:00AM-12:30PM with a Service to be held at 12:30PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Barb's name to the LV Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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.

Linda J. Gray, 76, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 12, 2025. She was the loving wife of 54 years to John P. Gray. Born in Champaign-Urbana, IL, Linda was the daughter of the late Edward and Jeanne (Trainor) LaChapelle. A successful business woman for nearly 40 years, Linda traveled to several continents in her final role as purchasing manager before retiring from FLSmidth. Linda was a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington.

Linda was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and of the Church's 55+ Club. She was also a member of the ZTA Sorority for which she volunteered while serving as advisor to her sorority sisters at Moravian University. Linda enjoyed traveling, reading, walking, dancing, aerobics and spending time with her family wherever they were in the world. She was an incredibly kindhearted person who enjoyed taking care of others, and was a fantastic cook.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, including her surviving relatives: husband- John Gray; daughters- Michele Gray and Shannon Flounders and husband Jef; grandchildren- Julien Sanchez, Adriene Sanchez, Haley Flounders, Mason Flounders and Luke Flounders; and, siblings- Ed LaChapelle, Richard LaChapelle, Mary Kozma, John LaChapelle and Leslie Bennett.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 17th from 10-11am at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Linda’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association, care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Ronald “Ron” P. Nelson, 75, of Center Valley, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He grew up in Fountain Hill, son of the late Paul and Caroline (Spirk), and husband to the late Mary Wagner. Ron was ‘a jack of all trades’ working as a salesman to a construction worker. Over the years, he had many dogs, always a German Shepherd, who became his favorite companions. He was an avid gun collector. He enjoyed watching sports, action movies and reading adventurous books. He was an accomplished chess player and would retell the story of playing chess with the inmates of Lewisburg Penitentiary. Did you hear this story? Ron loved to tell stories about events that happened to him and his family and his pets. He was an optimist and never complained about his life situation.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Cindi Nelson Christman, sons Brian (Pankey) and Rob Wagner (Karen), daughter, Kim Barrett, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 from 6-8pm at the Downing Funeral Home, 1002 West Broad St in Bethlehem. Saturday service is private.
Memorial contribution may be made to a charity of one’s choice.