Ashton Funeral Home

Obituaries

Joan Delaney Hobart

October 1, 2024

Joan Delaney Hobart, of Nazareth, PA, formerly of Easton, PA, passed away on October 1, 2024 at age 95, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dr. John H. Hobart, who died in 2020.

Daughter of the late Joseph M. Delaney and Anna (Lane) Delaney, she was raised in Meriden, CT. She graduated from Meriden High School, and earned a B.A. from Columbia University School of Nursing. She met her husband John while he was a medical student at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After graduation, she worked as a nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Joan and John were married in 1956 and moved to Landstuhl, Germany where John served as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps and Joan worked as a civilian nurse at the US Army Medical Center. They enjoyed traveling throughout Europe on weekends and vacations while stationed in Germany.

In 1962, they moved to Easton where John entered private medical practice and where they raised their family. In addition to managing a family of five children through school, sports, and other activities, Joan volunteered with the Easton Hospital Women’s Auxiliary for many years and at the Well Baby Clinic in Easton.

She was happiest spending time with family and friends, and treasured time with her grandchildren. She especially loved babies and dogs. She is remembered by all for her thoughtfulness, her strength and resilience, her quick-wit and her joyful outlook on life.  Joan enjoyed going to the theater, antiquing, playing games with family, reading and book club, the New York Times crossword puzzle, and playing bridge and mahjong with friends.  She was a devout Catholic and was a longtime parishioner of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children, John Jr. of Easton, PA; Ann Tinker (John) of Millbrook, NY; William of Allentown, PA; Elizabeth Hobart Zang (Xavier) of San Francisco, CA; Edward (Lauren) of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren Emily, Andrew, Rebecca, Philip, Katherine, Evan, Hannah, Jack, Thomas, and Meghan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Joseph and sisters Mary, Ann, and Dorothy.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Morningstar Living, 175 W. North St., Nazareth, PA 18064; or the American Red Cross. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert C. Thoma

September 29, 2024

Robert C. Thoma

Robert C. Thoma, 67 of Bethlehem, PA died Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born July 8, 1957 in Paterson, NJ he was a son of the late Pauline M. (Chubb) and Frank C. Thoma. He attended the County College of Morris and had been employed by Peak Construction. Bob was a member of Life Church in Nazareth.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Daisy (Rivera) Thoma; children: RJ and his wife Jaclyn of Easton, PA, Tiffany Whitehead and her husband Eric of Bethlehem Twp., PA; stepdaughters: Anita Bendesky and her husband Brad of Haddonfield, NJ, Athena LaBoy of Elmer, NJ; brothers: Richard F. Thoma and his wife Cheryl of Denver, NC, Donald L. Thoma and his wife Petra of McLean, VA; grandchildren: Sydney, Callie, Jordan, Christian, Joey, Jessica, Eric, Andrew, Ana, Julia and Sean; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a stepson: Nathan LaBoy, and a grandson: Danny.

Services are 10 AM Saturday (Oct. 5) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with visitation 6 to 7:30 PM Friday and 9 to 10 AM Saturday. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to Life Church, 4609 Newburg Road, Nazareth, PA 18064.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

James Ferri

September 27, 2024

James Ferri

James Ferri, 93 of Easton, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024. He was born on August 24, 1931 to the late Antonio and Antoinette (Cilli) Ferri in Easton. Jim graduated from Easton High School in 1949 and went on to marry the love of his life, Dorothy A. (Kirchhofer) Ferri in 1952. He is a Navy veteran, having served in the Seabees. Jim and Dorothy had one child, Debra (Ferri) Bohr.

Jim was an athlete his whole life. He played quarterback for Easton High School’s football team and was on the first Easton wrestling team. He enjoyed attending football games and wrestling matches his whole life. Jim supported the Lehigh wrestling program and was a season ticket holder to Lafayette basketball games. He was an avid tennis player, golfer and in his later years, walker.

Jim worked for Ingersoll-Rand, Phillipsburg, NJ as a draftsman. He also worked for Dresser Rand when he and Dorothy temporarily relocated to Olean, NY. While in Olean they became converted Buffalo Bills fans attending many games. They made many friends while there and continued those friendships upon returning to Easton. After his retirement from Dresser he was hired by private companies proudly working until he was 88 years old.

Jim was passionate about his love of friends and family. His deep devotion to his wife was something spectacular to witness. He loved being a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He took pride in his family, and often was behind a video camera, capturing special family moments. Jim’s big heart was also reflected in his lifelong friendships. His golfing crew, all well into their 80’s, consisted of friends from his youth.

Jim leaves a legacy of love and kindness. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy A. (Kirchhofer) Ferri; his daughter: Debra Bohr (husband Jeffrey) of Forks Twp., PA; a brother: Carmen Ferri of Phillipsburg, NJ; 2 grandchildren: Jarad Bohr (wife Erica), Jordan Miller (husband Michael); and 2 great-grandchildren: Cole James and Archer. His brothers: John, Samuel and Anthony Ferri predeceased him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 AM Thursday (Oct. 3) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 10 to 11:30 AM. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Belle Scherzer

September 26, 2024

Belle Scherzer, 103, of Palmer Township, formerly of Union, Springfield, and Westfield, NJ, died Thursday, September 26, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born April 18, 1921 in Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Celia (Cutler) Moss. Her husband, Sidney Scherzer died in 1968.

Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Linda Lewis and her husband, Dr. Irwin Lewis; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Laurie Shainker and two sisters, Lilly Scherzer and Frances Cooper.

A private graveside service will be held in Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Bnai Shalom, 1545 Bushkill St., Easton, PA 18042 or St. Luke’s Hospice House, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joseph Pecora

September 22, 2024

Joseph Pecora, 102, of Bethlehem Township, died Sunday, September 22, 2024 in Legend of Allentown, Macungie. Born October 31, 1921 in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Louis and Mary (Smiraglia) Pecora. His wife, Ethel V. (Moff) Pecora died in 2019. He graduated from Hazleton High School and served in the US Army during WWII and Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during WWII. Joseph was the District Manager of Car Distribution for Conrail. He previously worked for Lehigh Valley Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad Company.

Surviving are two daughters, Diane Magargal and Joette Marnell; a brother, Louis Pecora; two granddaughters, Cher and Nicole; and two great grandsons, Nolan and Chase.

A private graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, www.dementiasociety.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Thomas M. Jones

September 16, 2024

Thomas M. Jones, 76, of Easton, died Monday, September 16, 2024 in his home. Born December 9, 1947 in Franklinton, LA, he was the son of the late Floyd E. and Miriam (Kolb) Jones. His wife, Nanette L. (Hanlon) Jones died in 2014. Tom was a graduate of Easton Area High School and Moravian College. He worked for Ingersoll Rand and was a social worker for LARC.

Surviving are his children, Tad Jones (Kim), Tim Jones (Brie), and Tara Leonard (Michael); a brother, Robert Jones; a sister, Diana Parker; five grandchildren, Kelsey, Kaila, Tj, Ophelia, and Daphne; stepchildren, John Pelliciotta, Phillip Virgilio, and Sondi Stocker; and seven step-grandchildren.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Paul B. Balaban

September 3, 2024

Paul B. Balaban, 74 of Bethlehem, PA died Tuesday, September 3, 2024 in Bethlehem. Born May 29, 1950 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Minnie (Ziev) and Morris Balaban. He had been employed by Lehigh Foundry for many years. Among his survivors are a son and brothers. Services are private with interment in Bnai Abraham Cemetery, Forks Twp., PA.

V. Daniel Smoker

August 31, 2024

V. Daniel Smoker, 69, of Bushkill Township, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 31, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born March 17, 1955 in Oxford, PA, he was the son of the late Vernon and Mary (Umble) Smoker. He and his wife, Lou Ann (Trinchere) Smoker were married 45 years. Dan was employed in various capacities in the banking industry for 50 years. He was a member of Maranatha Family Christian Fellowship. He served on the board of directors of Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers and was the president of the Tuesday Night Golf League at Whitetail Golf Club.

Surviving with his wife, Lou Ann, are a son, Jonathan Smoker and his wife, Lauren of Avondale, PA; two daughters, Jennifer Haddad and her husband, Nicolas of St. Cloud, FL and Jillian Bruch and her husband, Jeffrey of Nazareth; three sisters, Wanda Creeger, Rose Olsen, and Barbara Dollinger; four brothers, Paul Smoker, Ronald, Smoker, Timothy Smoker, and Glenn Smoker; ten grandchildren, Elsa, Audra, Pierson, and Hendrick Smoker, Nathan, Katelyn, and Tyler Bruch, and Valor, Lincoln, and Brighton Haddad; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Angelo and Shirley Trinchere; and stepmother, Ada Nancy Smoker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in River of God Church, 813 Reynolds St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. You are encouraged to wear your golf shirt to the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers, www.brighthopecenters.org; Loaves and Fishes, c/o St. John’s United Church of Christ, Nazareth, www.sjuccnaz.com; or Maranatha Family Christian Fellowship, www.mfcfonline.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.