Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frances Yonkelowitz, who departed this world surrounded by the love of her family and friends on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Born April 17, 1932, Frances lived a life filled with warmth, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She was a pillar of strength and kindness, a beacon of love that illuminated the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. Her nurturing soul, gentle wisdom, and boundless love created a home filled with warmth and laughter. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherishing each moment spent with her family.

Frances is survived by her loving daughter, Susan Schweitzer, and partner, Greg Slack; her sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Pam Yonkelowitz, Steve and Denise Yonkelowitz. She leaves a legacy of love that extends through generations touching the lives of her grandsons, Justin and Aaron Yonkelowitz. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her great-grandchildren, Elaina, Vera and Adelina Yonkelowitz. She was predeceased by her husband, Sidney Yonkelowitz and her son, Mark Yonkelowitz.

A Graveside Service will be held 11:30 AM Tuesday (Feb. 6) at Bnai Abraham Cemetery, Arndt Road, Forks Twp., PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

As we bid farewell to Frances Yonkelowitz, let us remember the joy she brought into our lives and her profound impact on everyone around her. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts, a source of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lehigh Valley Hospice-Allentown, 2024 Lehigh St., Suite 100, Allentown, PA 180103. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Eugenio Amaro Oliva, 96, of Easton, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in his home. Born January 5, 1928 in the Philippines, he was the son of the late Florentino and Macra (Amaro) Oliva. Eugenio served in the Army during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He then worked as a nurse’s aide at Gracedale for many years and was a member of the American Legion.

Surviving are his wife, Susan (Duong) Oliva; five children, Mona Lisa Gonzalez and her husband, Guillermo, Lily Oliva Betts and her husband, Scott A. Betts, Nancy Cox and her significant other, Pete Zelesnikar, Romeo Oliva and is wife, Rachael, and Dany Oliva and his wife, Atarah; fourteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Peter Piechotta passed quietly surrounded by his loving wife and family in Port Saint Lucie, Florida on Sunday, January 21, 2024. He was 80 years old. Born in Berlin, Germany on June 17, 1943, he was the son of the late Adolf Albert Piechotta and Irmgard Teschner. He was a member of Local Plumbers Union 690 Philadelphia, PA, and a Mason for 50 years at the Masonic Lodge in Horsham, PA.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kathleen Wilson-Piechotta; his son Peter Michael Piechotta, wife Amy Walther, 2 grandchildren, Landon and Ava of Ambler, PA; his stepson Ozzie Alvarez, wife Lisa Wells, 3 step grandchildren Olivia, Colt, and Penelope of Applegate, CA; and his stepson Andrew Michael Alvarez of Miami, Florida. He was predeceased by his previous wife, Linda Lichtner-Piechotta.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February, 24, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday in the funeral home. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine, Palmer Township, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joseph D. Gerber, 96 of Easton, PA died Monday, January 15, 2024 at Abington Manor, Easton. Born October 15, 1927 in New Ringgold, PA he was a son of the late Joseph Wertman and Florence (Grube) Gerber. He was a graduate of Penn State University and served in the Air Force during WWII. He was a teacher at Wilson High School for over 40 years before retiring. Joe had been a member of the former Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wilson Borough, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Betty (Fulmer) Whildin-Gerber; son: Rev. David Gerber (Doris) of Queens, NY; stepchildren: Deborah Sanders (Mark) of Selbyville, DE, Mark Rogers (Eliana) and Patricia Youssef (Michael) of Easton; 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife: Marion (Heckler) Gerber; a step-son: Todd Rogers and his sister: Arlene Zimmerman.

Services are 2 PM Friday (Jan. 19) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with from 1 to 2 PM. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ascend Hospice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Annie R. Capers, 76, of Wind Gap, PA, died Friday, January 12, 2024 in New Eastwood Healthcare Center, Easton, PA. Born February 12, 1947 in Sumter, SC, she was the daughter of the late Ishmael “Bubba” Capers, Sr. and the late Ruth (Williams) Capers. Annie was a Minister at Mount Zion F.B.H. Church, Linden, NJ and attended Blessed Tabernacle Church, Elizabeth, NJ; House on the Rock Church, Wind Gap, PA; Life Church, Nazareth, PA; and Belfast Bible Church, Belfast, PA.

Surviving are three sons, Kirk-Patrick Capers, Kerwin Capers, and Keith Capers; two brothers, Ishmael Capers, Jr. and Charles Capers; three sisters, Deborah Muldrow, Joyce Jones, and Brenda Capers; and nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Capers and Curtis Capers; and two sisters, Patricia Ann Capers and Bernetha Ceasar.

A repast will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 614 S. Broadway, Wind Gap, PA 18091.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling the arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Dorothy Barber Flagg, known as “Dot” and “Dottie” to friends and co-workers, died Friday, Jan. 12, at Country Meadows-Bethlehem, leaving this existence as gracefully as she lived her life. She was 101. Born May 7, 1922, to Harry L. and Margaret Hoff Barber, Dorothy was proud of her Easton roots, growing up South Sixth Street, a neighborhood she referred to as a League of Nations for its vibrant mix of ethnicities. She married Bradley Flagg and enjoyed 50 years with him. They had three children.

Dorothy worked for The Easton Express, later The Express-Times, as a reporter, copy editor and sports columnist. Her love of sports began at an early age, when her father carried her on his shoulders into her first Easton-Phillipsburg football game. As a teenager she got a taste of sports writing when Express Sports Editor Charles Reilly taught her to keep score at Lafayette College baseball games. She went on to become head cheerleader at Easton High, graduating in 1940. She experienced the great undefeated football season of 1939. Her decades-long record of attending Thanksgiving Day games was broken only by the birth of her second daughter.

Dorothy went on to Rider College, and during World War II began working for The Trenton Times, filling several positions, including sports editor. When her children reached school age, she took a reporting job at the Easton Express. She later found a home on the copy desk where she put her knowledge of language and AP style to good use, helping generations of reporters hone their skills.

She loved tennis, having learned from her husband Brad, the longtime coach at EHS. She twice shared in the woman’s doubles title at Northwood Racquet Club, where she made many friends over the years. She was a basketball referee, officiating many girls games throughout the Lehigh Valley.  She loved musical theater and performed in many Chansonnette Theatre shows. Her highlight was a solo tap dance in “No, No Nanette,” performed on a broken ankle. (The show must go on!) Dorothy had an encyclopedic knowledge of Broadway musicals and would launch into a fitting song for any situation.

She was a rabid follower of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, often making soup for football get-togethers on Sundays. Above all, she enjoyed her family, spending vacations at LBI, swimming in the Delaware River, taking trips to England and NYC, ice skating at Mountain Lake.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara and Susan (husband John Hill), both of Easton; a son, James, of Wilson Borough; and a grandson, Graham of Philadelphia. She was preceded in death by her husband and a stepson, Jerry.

The family would like to thank the staff of Country Meadows of Bethlehem for their professional and loving care.

In accordance with her wishes, services will be private. Those who would like to honor Dorothy may make a donation to the Center for Animal Health & Welfare in Williams Township, or a charity of their choosing.
To send online condolences or share memories of Dorothy, please visit www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Dorothy lived a full and happy life, heeding a lyric in “Mame,” a favorite show:
“Light the candles
get the ice out
roll the rug up
it’s today!”