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).

Anna M. (Schlaner) Blackwood, 68, of Bethlehem, passed away January 6, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late John Blackwood, III. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Anna (Stoudt) and John Schlaner. Anna graduated from Southern Lehigh High School in 1975. She was a long-time volunteer for the Celtic Cultural Alliance at the Celtic Classic. She was the ultimate sports mom, attending all of her son’s sporting events when they were young. Anna loved music and going to concerts with her husband, especially Meatloaf and Jimmy Buffett. She also enjoyed going on cruises, her favorite being the American Virgin Islands. Anna loved the color purple, butterflies, frogs and dogs, her most recent dog rescue being her best friend, Milo. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- John Blackwood, IV and his wife Tara Blackwood of Annapolis, MD and Jeramy D. Blackwood and his wife Danielle Blackwood of Rock Island, IL; grandchildren- J. Gifford, Jase and Bo Blackwood; brothers- John, Richard and Frank Schlaner.
A viewing will be held on Monday, January 12th 5-7PM and Tuesday, January 13th 9:15-10:00AM with a Service to follow at 10:00AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in St. Paul’s Blue Church Cemetery, Coopersburg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lehigh Valley Humane Society 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103.

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.

Anne M. (Murphy) Bowser, 78, of Bethlehem, passed away December 4, 2025. She was the loving wife of over 55 years to Ronald S. Bowser. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Richard E. and Virginia M. (Byrem) Murphy. She was a 1965 graduate of Liberty High School and worked as a Dental Assistant for many years.

Anne had a warm and welcoming personality and home - the back door was always open. As matriarch of the neighborhood “kool-aid house”, she opened her home not only to her friends and family, but to her kids’ friends as well. Many have called her their “second mom”. She loved working in her beautiful garden and spending time outside. She could often be found sitting on the patio on a summer evening chatting with someone from the neighborhood that had come to visit. Anne liked music and loved to dance and enjoyed spending time in Beach Haven on LBI, which was her happy place. She also loved playing games both on the computer and with family, as well as doing Wordle, working on puzzles and doing crosswords. But most of all, Anne loved being a wife, a mom and especially a grandmother. Spending time with her four granddaughters was the highlight of her life. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors: husband- Ronald Bowser, daughter- Erica Eynon and husband Jeff, son- Ronnie Bowser and wife Mary, granddaughters- Ruby Anne, McKenna, Kacey and Cecilia, brother- Richard Murphy and wife Ariel, sister- Kathleen Murphy and husband Terry Magliane, several nieces and nephews.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Anne’s memory to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

John W. Check, 73, of Fountain Hill, passed away November 29, 2025. He was the loving husband of the late Marilyn Check. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late John and Anna Check. John graduated from Liberty High School and was the original owner of the Broken Spoke Bicycle Shop in Easton. John enjoyed cycling, doing carpentry, horseback riding and was an animal lover. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: sons- Chad Check and his late fiancé Sheila Kolesnik, Jesse Check and wife Christine, grandson- Ira Check, partner- Marion Amato, nephews- Frankie and Brian Szabo, Baker family members in Alabama and Fisher family members in Florida and pets Bo, Sherwood and Marley. He was predeceased by his sister- Janice Szabo.
Services will be Private for the family

Contributions can be made in John’s memory to Last Chance Ranch.

Robert "Bob" Woroniak, 91, of Allentown went to heaven peacefully at LVHN Hospice on 11/12/25, surrounded by his loving family. He was the cherished husband of Sylvia (Taglioli) Woroniak,
with whom he shared over 68 years of mar-riage. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years stationed in Alaska during peacetime. He subsequently trained to be an electri-cian, was a member of IBEW #375, and worked for Orlando Diefenderfer for 40 years. Upon retirement, he continued to volunteer his time, skills, and knowledge to anyone who needed assistance. He was a faithful member of St.Thomas More Catholic Church. Bob was an avid fisherman who never passed up an opportunity to be on the water with fishing buddies and his many fishing rods (some handmade). Summers were spent on Long Beach Island, NJ with his family, a tradition that continued for decades and grew to include his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and working on his extensive model train display which included hand-made models of each of his children's homes.
He is also survived by his 4 children, 8 grand-children, and 2 great-grandchildren. Daughter Karen (Woroniak) Goldner of Allentown, and her children Ally Schultz, Jason Goldner, Jill (Goldner) Leeb, her husband Ari, and her grandchildren Anna and Nathan Leeb. Daughter Debra (Woroniak) Nalbandian of Bethlehem and her children Martin and Noelle. Daughter Diane (Woroniak) Boyajian and her husband Robert of Upper Saddle River, NJ, and their children Katie and lulia. Son Robert Woroniak, Jr. and his wife Dawn-Marie of Harrisburg, and their daughter Trace (Woroniak) Tavlor and her husband
Justin. Bob was also loved and will be missed by countless extended family members and friends.
Services: Saturday, 11/15/25 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1046 W. Cedar Street, Allentown.
Calling hour 9:00am to 10:00am at the church, followed by a Catholic Mass of remembrance at
10:00am
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2024
Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103