Obituaries

Joseph “Alpha Joe” Simone, Jr., 87 formerly of Alpha, NJ died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Praxis in Easton. Born September 17, 1928 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Joseph and Myrtle (Leslie) Simone.  He was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and served honorably in both the Army and Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Alpha and had attended the Seminary.  Joe was also a member of the Alpha Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by nieces, nephews and a sister-in-law: Alice Simone. Joe was predeceased by his brothers and sisters: Theresa Barnhardt, Grace D’Angelo, Herbert Simone and Edward Cline.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment will be in St. Philip and St. James Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alpha Volunteer Fire Department, 1109 Lee Ave., Alpha, NJ 08865. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert G. Cornell, 87, of Forks Township, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in his home.

Born June 24, 1928 in Belltown, PA, he was a son of the late Lewis and Dolly (Zanoni) Cornell.

He and his wife, Darlene (Edwards) Cornell were married 25 years.  His first wife, Doris (Fowler) Cornell died in 1988.

Robert was an engineer for General Electric and Trane in Louisville, KY.  He attended University of Louisville, served in the Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.  He was a member of Lodge #740, F & AM, Louisville, Past Master of Lodge #50, F & AM, Stanardsville, VA and he played in the Mello-Aires dance band.

Surviving with his wife, Darlene are a son, Dennis Cornell; step-children, Emerson Donell and Jennifer Rennells; and 3 grandchildren.

Services will be private with entombment in Evergreen Cemetery, Louisville, KY.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Sydney Kathleen Highberger, 81 of Anderson, SC died Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Brookdale Health Center after a long fight with COPD. Born June 5, 1934 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Harvey J. and Dorothy (Bates) Young.

A graduate of Wilson High School, she received her RN from St. Luke’s School of Nursing and worked as a delivery nurse until she began a family of her own. Sydney loved to spend time with friends and family. She traveled, enjoyed entertaining and loved to celebrate life.

She is survived by her husband: Paul; her daughter: Kathleen Beard; her sons: Andy and Steve Highberger; her brother: Tom Young and his wife Ann; 5 grandchildren and a great-grandson.

A Graveside Service will be held 1 PM Saturday, March 26 at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA at www.pspca.org/support-us/donate/tributes.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Sidney G. Leibensperger, 72, of Phillipsburg, died Saturday, March 12, 2016 in St. Luke’s Warren Hospital.

Born May 23, 1943 in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late Lyman and Kathryn (Moffit) Leibensperger.

He and his wife, Nancy (Faur) Leibensperger were married 51 years.  He worked at Ingersoll Rand, Phillipsburg for many years and was an avid golfer and bowler.

Surviving with his wife, Nancy, are his daughter, Shelley Seip of Easton, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 17, 2016 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  A visitation will be held from 6 – 7:30 pm on Wednesday in the funeral home.  Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Walter E. Primrose, Sr., 90, formerly of Lower Saucon Township, died Friday, March 11, 2016 in ManorCare, Palmer Township.

Born February 8, 1926 in Easton, he was a son of the late Pettet and Helen (Frace) Primrose.  His wife, Pauline (Rissmiller) Primrose died in 2009.

Walter was a delivery man for A & B Supply Co., Easton for over 20 years until retiring.

He was a member of Hellertown Assembly of God.

Surviving are two sons, Walter “Chip” Primrose, Jr. of Kutztown and Jeffery Primrose of Catasauqua; a daughter, Paulette Yenca of Center Valley; 11 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Green Pond Road, Palmer Township.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.