Obituaries

Margaret H. Battaglia, 99, of Easton, died Thursday, January 29, 2015 in ManorCare, Palmer Township.

Born November 30, 1915 in Hazelton, she was a daughter of the late Derwin E. and Geneva H. (McHose) Prugh.

Her husband, William V. Battaglia died earlier.  She worked for Orr’s Department Store, Easton for many years until retiring.

Surviving are her daughter, Barbara Leff of Nazareth and her son, William Battaglia of Allentown.  Her sister, Marion Goodman and her brothers, Earl, John, William and James Prugh died earlier.

Private graveside services will be held at the Northampton Memorial Shrine.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joseph W. Knecht, 49, of Tamaqua, PA formerly of Easton died Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Easton Hospital.

Born October 27, 1965 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of the late Lewis and Elizabeth (Hineline) Knecht.

He had been employed by Moser Enterprises in Easton for several years.

He is survived by 11 brothers and sisters: Randy, Wayne, Donna, Gertrude, Harriet, Tina, Harriet, Salome, Helen, Linda, Jenny; and many nieces and nephews. A sister Priscilla died earlier.

A Calling Period will be held from 3:30 to 5 PM Tuesday (Feb. 3) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the funeral home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Helen J. Zielstorff, 93, of Easton, died Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in St. Luke’s Hospice House.

Born October 21, 1921 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Cora Helen (Miller) Zimmerman.

Her husband, Marvin R. Zielstorff died in 2009.  Helen worked for National Fiber Stock, Philadelphia for 22 years until retiring.  Prior to that she worked for Binney and Smith.

She was a member of New Creation United Church of Christ, Palmer Township.  She graduated from Easton High School in 1939 and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Surviving are her son, Robert M. Zielstorff of Londonderry, N. H., two grandchildren and two great grandsons.  Her daughter, Dianne L. Zielstorff died in infancy.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2015 in Easton Heights Cemetery.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Gloria P. Pierson, 70, of Bethlehem died Tuesday, January 27, 2015 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born March 25, 1944 in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of R. D. Pine and Mildred Pine.

She and her husband, Jeffrey R. Pierson were married 47 years.  Gloria attended Moravian Seminary and was a graduate of The American School in Switzerland; Stratford College, Danville, Virginia; and University of Georgia.  She was a member of Northampton Country Club, the Garden Club of Easton, and was a volunteer for the Boutique of the American Cancer Society.

Surviving are her husband, Jeffrey; a son, J. Rod Pierson and his wife, Jennifer of Bethlehem; two daughters, Robin J. Briggs and her husband, John of Hingham, Massachusetts, and Jennifer P. Mack and her husband, Patrick of Allentown; and six grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 2, in Arndt’s Lutheran Church, 1851 Arndt Road, Easton.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or American Heart Association, www.heart.org.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jesse W. Morley, Jr., 65 of Palmer Twp., PA died Sunday, January 25, 2015 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill, PA. Born February 17, 1949 in Easton, PA he was a son of Dixie (Lindsey) Morley of Stewartsville, NJ and the late Jesse W. Morley, Sr.

A 1967 graduate of Phillipsburg High School he had been a supervisor in the printing department at the American Can Co. in Washington, NJ. He was a member of the Broadway Rescue Squad and numerous social clubs in the Easton area including the Wilson Borough Democratic Club and Avona Heights Club.

He is survived by his mother; his wife: Carol (Dietz) Morley; a daughter: Denise Warner of Wind Gap; a son: Jesse Morley, III of Easton; a brother: Jack Morley of Easton; sisters: Dixie Morley of Williams Twp., Debbie Swedz of Flemington, Shelley Janssen of Upper Mt. Bethel; 3 grandchildren: Caitlin, Alexander, Jacob and his cat: Sparky. Siblings: Robert Morley and Donna Michener died earlier.

A celebration of his life will be held February 8, 2015 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Wilson Borough Democratic Club, 16th & Spruce Sts. (1543 Spruce St.), Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospital ICU, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

John W. Sullivan, 88 of Palmer Twp., PA died Saturday, January 24, 2015 in Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth.

Born January 31, 1926 in Easton, PA he was the son of the late John B. and Helen (Hartman) Sullivan.

He received an Engineering Degree from Lafayette College in 1951 and was employed by Bethlehem Steel for 31 years before retiring in 1982 as a Metallurgical Supervisor. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 124th Cavalry during WWII serving in the China/Burma/India Theatre.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Palmer Twp., where he served as Council Secretary.  He had also served as a Chair of the American Society for Metals.

John spent many enjoyable years with family and friends at their cottage on Crystal Lake, New Hampshire.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Audrey (Mertz) Sullivan; 3 children: John W. “Jack” Sullivan, II and his wife Marguerite of Lower Saucon Twp., PA, Jill Hegedus and her husband James of Phillipsburg, NJ, Jan Heim and her husband Scott of Palmer Twp., PA; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Services will be 11 AM Saturday (Jan.31) in St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3900 Freemansburg Ave., Easton, PA 18045 with visitation from 10 to 11 AM in the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Interment will be in Easton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 3900 Freemansburg Ave., Easton, PA 18045.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.