Obituaries

Melvin Sussman, 86, formerly of Easton, died Friday, January 16, 2015 in The Watermark at Logan Square nursing home, Philadelphia.

Born November 21, 1928 in the Bronx, NY, he was a son of the late Jacob and Fannie (Cohoss) Sussman.

His wife, the former Rona C. Goldfarb died in 2003.  Melvin owned and operated Craft Rug Mills.  Previously, he was a CPA and Controller for Old Town Corporation, Brooklyn; New American Library of World Literature, Inc., New York; and Random House, Inc., New York.  He graduated cum laude from City College of New York in 1949.

Surviving are a son, Michael J. Sussman and his wife, Laurie of Bethlehem; a daughter, Joan Deemer and her husband, Marvin of Easton; a sister, Sylvia Smith; five grandchildren, Jacob, Adam and Emily Sussman, Jennifer Baurle, and David Deemer; and four great grandchildren.  His sister, Shirley Youngerman died earlier.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  Interment will be in B’nai Abraham Cemetery, Forks Township.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert G. Vandevere, 88, of Easton, died Friday, January 16, 2015 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem.

Born August 28, 1926 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, he was a son of the late John S. and Dallas (Thomas) Vandevere.

His wife, the former Anna M. Oravik died in 2012.  He served in the Marines during WWII and owned Bob’s Rubber Stamps.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Allentown.

Surviving are two sons, Robert P. Vandevere of Easton and Andrew B. Vandevere of Bethlehem, a daughter, Patricia A. Barentsen and her husband, Jack of The Netherlands, and two granddaughters.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, January 21 at Northampton Memorial Shrine, Green Pond Rd., Palmer Township.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Madeline “Lynn” Staples, 84 of Easton, PA died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Easton Hospital.

Born December 22, 1930 in Emmaus, PA she was a daughter of the late Clayton and Elverta (Hunsicker) Mantz.

She had been a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Reading.

She is survived by 5 children: Catherine Agostini and Pamela Shoemaker of Easton, Michael Kratzer of Reading, Betty Murphy of Jim Thorpe, Chip Mantz in Mass.; a sister: Connie McGuiness; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A granddaughter died earlier.

Services are at the convenience of the family.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Irene E. Schwab, 93, formerly of Palmer Township, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in Pleasant Valley Manor, Stroudsburg.

Born July 1, 1921 in Ashland, PA, she was a daughter of the late Monroe I. and Minnie K. (Heim) Schreffler.

Her husband, Webster L. Schwab died in 2008.  Irene graduated from Churchman Business College, Easton and worked at Binney and Smith for 28 years until retiring in 1984.  She was a member of Zion United Lutheran Church, Brodheadsville, a member of the former First Evangelical Congregational Church, Easton,  a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, William Parsons Chapter #185, and a member of the 25 Year Club of Binney and Smith.

Surviving are two sons, James C. Schwab and his wife, Judith of Palmer Township and Donald K. Schwab and his wife, Patricia of Effort; a sister, Hilda A. Phelps of Riverview, FL; two grandsons, Michael Schwab and Eric Schwab; 4 step grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren, and 4 step great great grandchildren.  Her brother, Elwood C. Schreffler and her sisters, Mary C. Schreffler and Nettie M. Metzinger died earlier.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 19 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until service time on Monday in the funeral home.  Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

The family requests memorial contributions to Zion United Lutheran Church, 1919 Route 209, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 or the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Richard B. Maitland, 84 of Williams Twp., PA formerly of Clinton Twp., NJ died Monday, January 12, 2015 at his home.

Born January 20, 1930 in Medford, MA he was a son of the late David and Claire (Corsick) Maitland.

He was a Sales Manager for Kraft Foods for 25 years before retiring to start his own business: Richard’s Building Contracting in Hunterdon County. He also started a program called the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO).  A Korean War army veteran  and former Elks Lodge member, he served as the Mayor of Clinton Twp., NJ in the 1980’s. He also loved woodworking and time spent at the shore.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years: Sandra (Stanton) Maitland; daughter: Kimberly (Maitland) Schirner and her husband Jeff of Bethlehem, PA; step-children: Scott Ritchlin and his wife Nancy of Kingwood, NJ; Kimberly Ritchlin of Lawrenceville, NJ; and 6 grandchildren: Samantha and Benjamin Schirner, Jessica, Chaz and Amber Ritchlin, and Victoria “Tori” Orlando. He was predeceased by his brother: David Maitland.

A celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.