David C. Muth, 68, of Emmaus, passed away in his home on January 21, 2026. He was the loving husband of nearly 43 years to Joan M. (Szvetecz) Muth, with whom he shared more than 50 years together.

Born in Allentown, Dave was the son of the late Charles and Betty Mae (Schmoyer) Muth. He was a 1975 graduate of Liberty High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Moravian College in 1979.

Dave built a long and meaningful career in financial positions in the healthcare industry. He worked as an accountant at Lutheran Home at Topton, where he formed many lifelong friendships, and later served as Chief Financial Officer at New Vitae, Inc. He concluded his career at Concern, from which he retired.

In his younger years, Dave had a deep passion for music. He was a talented trombone player and a proud member of both the Pioneer Band and the American Legion Band. It was through music that David met the love of his life — Joan — while playing together in the marching band at Liberty High School. As their children grew older, Dave chose to step away from music so he could devote more time and energy to his family, a decision that reflected his lifelong priorities.

Above all else, Dave was a devoted family man who was always willing to help his children, grandchildren, and friends in any way he could. He took great pride in caring for his home and pool and was never afraid to take on a home improvement project. His home was a gathering place, where he enjoyed hosting friends and family at his annual summer pool party. He especially treasured his many cats and granddogs. Dave was a faithful member of Old Zionsville United Church of Christ and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dave is survived by his wife, Joan Muth; daughter, Kelly Kowalewski and her husband, Travis; son, Ryan Muth and his wife, Kimberly; grandchildren, Luke, Willow, Carter, and Ava.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., at Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s memory to Old Zionsville United Church of Christ, 5981 Fountain Road, Old Zionsville, PA 18068.

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.