Obituaries

William A. “Bill” Shafer, 59 of Wilson Borough, PA passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Born June 10, 1955 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Virginia (Schlegel) and John Shafer.

A graduate of Wilson High School, Northampton Community College and East Stroudsburg University, he was a science teacher at North Bergen High School in N. Bergen, NJ. He was a member and served in many capacities at the Easton Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a Scout Leader and Commissioner with the Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council and served in the United States Air Force.

Bill was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers.  He enjoyed listening to The Beach Boys and watching The Three Stooges, Laurel & Hardy and M.A.S.H.  He played a key role in re-introducing the osprey and bald eagle to north-eastern PA. But his greatest love was being “Poppy” to his two granddaughters. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him so much.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years: Margaret “Peggy” (Andrews) Shafer; daughter: Mandy Shafer Gonzales and her husband Jesse; son: Taylor Shafer; and 2 granddaughters: Claudia and Maia all of Wilson Borough. His brother Larry G. Shafer died in March.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (May 26) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rose Inn Ave., Nazareth, PA with visitation 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Interment will be in Easton Cemetery.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Betty Jane Wilson Geis, 87, formerly of Easton, PA and Sun City Center, FL died Friday, May 8, 2015 in Kane Regional Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Born July 12, 1927 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Miriam (Ealer) and James Strauss.

A graduate of Easton High School, she had been a nurse’s aide for a medical practice in Hunterdon County, NJ for several years. She was passionate about music and the arts and she loved to travel.  She was also a member of several hiking clubs.

She is survived by 4 children: Margaret “Peg” Kirchner and her husband James of Gibsonia, PA, Thomas J. Wilson and his wife Brenda of Milford, NJ, Joseph W. Wilson, Jr. and his wife Lauri of Port Charlotte, FL, Eileen J. Phillips and her husband Bob of Belligen, Australia; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-laws: Mary Strauss of Easton and Jo Strauss of Bloomsburg, PA. She was predeceased by her first husband: Joseph “Bill” Wilson, Sr., her second husband: John Byron Geis and brothers: Kenneth and James Strauss.

Mass will be held 10 AM Friday, May 15 in St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton, PA, with visitation from 6 – 8 PM Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Kenneth S. DiStefano, 57, of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Sunday, April 26, 2015 at home surrounded by family.

Born September 21, 1957 in Woodbury, NJ he was a son of Martha (See) and Harry DiStefano of Mickleton, NJ.  He and his wife the former Diana Cerra were married 27 years.

A graduate of Rider College, he was the CFO of the Bazzini Company in Allentown, PA. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Easton and proud supporter of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party.

He is survived by his parents: Harry and Martha; his wife: Diana; 2 children: John and Christina, both at home; 2 brothers: Greg of Philadelphia and Eric of Livermore, CA; 2 sisters: Sherry Piligno of Williamstown, NJ and Judy Collins of Manasquan, NJ.

Service will be 11 AM Wednesday (April 29) in Calvary Baptist Church, 5300 Green Pond Road, Easton with visitation 5 to 8 PM Tuesday in  the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St. , Easton, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 5300 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA 18045.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Lorraine L. Kunkel, 86, of Forks Twp., PA died Friday, April 24, 2015 at home. Born September 4, 1928 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Grace (Gardner) and Walter Kramer.

Prior to marriage she had been an executive secretary at the former Dixie Cup Co. for several years.

She is survived by a daughter: Lori Kunkel of Ocean City, MD; a son: Dr. Alan H. Kunkel, Jr. and his wife Diane of Palmer Twp., PA; 3 sisters: Elizabeth Evans of Allen, TX, Nancy Kramer of Palmer Twp., PA, Helena Briglia of Carpentersville, NJ; a granddaughter: Heather Tita and her husband Louis, III of Stroudsburg, PA and 3 great-grandchildren: Lorenzo, Angelina and Bianca. She was predeceased by her husband Alan H. Kunkel, Sr. in 2005 and a sister Virginia Kramer.

Graveside service will be held 11 AM Tuesday (April 28) in the Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.