Obituaries

Eleanor F. Mazar, 73 of Forks Twp., PA died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Moravian Village. Born July 17, 1944 in Hazleton, PA she was a daughter of the late Patrick and Eleanor (Jenkins) Fisher. Her husband John Mazar, Jr. died in 2003. She was a 1962 graduate of Hazleton High School and received her bachelor’s degree from American University in 1966. She was employed by Northampton County Children and Youth as a caseworker for 25 years before retiring in 2001. Prior to that she was employed by the PA Welfare Office for 10 plus years. Ellie was an active member of St John’s Lutheran Church, Easton and a past-treasurer and member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, Lafayette College Chapter. She also received the Alison Award from the National Adoption Center in 1995 and enjoyed her time spent at the Senior Center in Forks Twp.

She is survived by her daughter: Cheryl Alessi (husband Mark) of Palmer Twp., PA; 2 sisters: Liz Bender and Trish Meisenhelter in Florida and a grandson: Dante Alessi.

Services are 10:30 AM Friday (June 1) in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry Street, Easton with visitation 6 PM to 7:30 PM Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and 9:30 to 10:30 AM Friday in the church. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Erik Leigh Benson, 29, of Plainfield Township, PA passed at home on Sunday, May 20, 2018, after a two year battle with leukemia. Even through his struggle Erik remained true to his faith. He was a 2006 graduate of Pen Argyl High School and received his BS in Biomedical Engineering from LeTourneau University in 2010. He was an Assistant Scientist at Azog Labs in Phillipsburg before his illness.

Though only 29 years of age, Erik accumulated a lifetime of stories; his varied interests included league and tournament volleyball, assorted dance disciplines (contra, swing, squares, waltz, blues), young adult Bible studies, and travel (bicycle, motorcycle, car, plane). Board gaming and role playing were also a large part of his life. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and participated in numerous service activities as a camp counselor, youth leader and volunteer for other community ministries. He was a member of the Lehigh Valley Grace Church in Bethlehem.

Erik is survived by his parents: Craig Benson and Sharon Trimble with whom he resided; his brother Mark, at home; his grandmother: Helen Trimble of Princeton, NJ; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM Saturday (May 26) at Lehigh Valley Grace Church, 580 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem.

Contributions in Erik’s memory may be made to Camp Conquest, 480 Forest Road, Denver, PA 17517. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Louis H. Vargo, 99, formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Country Meadows in Bethlehem Twp. Born July 9, 1918 in Bethlehem he was the son of the late Mary (Kuzma) and John Vargo. He served as a mess Sergeant in the US Army during WWII and retired after 20 years in the Army Reserves at the rank of Master Sergeant. Prior to enlistment Lou married the love of his life, Theitis ‘Jackie’ Adam on October 18, 1943.

He was employed by Lehigh Portland Cement and Mohawk Valley Cement in Rome, NY for 35 years before retiring. Lou was a member of New Creation United Church of Christ, the 7th Armored Division Association, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB), the VFW Post and the Fleas Club.  He was also an accomplished golfer and an avid bowler who enjoyed the Seniors League at Bar-Don Lanes.

Lou is survived by his daughter, Jeri, and her wife, Anne, of Aurora, NY, his nieces: Honey Ruszin, Jeanne Haydu, Sharon Miller, Beverly Hawk and nephews: Jim Darabond, Joe and Jim Radzewicz.  Lou was predeceased by his wife, his sisters Julia, Elizabeth, Mary and Helen and his niece, Sandy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday (May 22) at New Creation UCC, 3730 Nicholas St., Easton, PA with a calling period 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine with military honors. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or New Creation UCC. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Dennis J. Ferrigno, 60, of Easton, PA and Wisconsin, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at home with family by his side. Born January 3, 1958 in Dover, NJ he was a son of the late Audrey (Campbell) and Gennaro “Gerry” Ferrigno. He was a member of the Phillipsburg High School Class of 1976 and the Concordia Maennerchor. He had been employed by James River Corp. in Milford, NJ, Johnson Motor Lines in Easton, and Webex Inc. in Neenah, WI before retiring.

Dennis was an avid fisherman, Yankee fan and loved spending days on the beach. He also enjoyed his years spent in Neenah and Pickerel, WI with friends and family.

He is survived by his daughter: Rebecca DiFrancesco of Forks Twp., PA; his son: Michael (wife Cherisha) of Wilson Borough; two sisters: Denise Agnew of Hartford, WI, Donna Kuzdzal (husband Tim) of Amherst, NY; three brothers: Jerry (wife Carol) of Pickerel, WI, Robert (husband Manny) of Easton, John (wife Kim) of Hartford, WI; and four grandchildren: Hailey, Lucca, Mara and Teagan. He is predeceased by his sister Lisa.

A Memorial Service will be held 12 PM Saturday (May 19) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 11 AM to noon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association: ALSPhiladelphia.org (Lehigh Valley) or ALSAWI.org (Wisconsin). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.