Obituaries

M. Mae “Gabbie” Smith, 79, of Easton, died November 20, 2013 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg.

Born: July 2, 1934 in Wilson Borough, PA she was a daughter of the late Charles and Lizzie (Sandt) Weidman. Her husband Henry A. “Hank” Smith  died in 1990.

Personal: She was a homemaker and home seamstress for many years; a school crossing guard for the City of Easton; and a school cafeteria aide at the former Porter School. She was also an avid bingo player, working as a volunteer for many bingo organizations and  for many years managed the bingo at the Easton VFW. She loved camping and was a Seasonal Camper plus past employee at Pocono Vacation Park, Stroudsburg since 1978

Memberships: She had been a member of the former Christ Lutheran Church, Easton and was a member of Women of the Moose Chap. 523, Easton and member and secretary of the Ladies Auxiliary of Lester Pfeffer American Legion Post 611.

Survivors: A daughter: Bonnie Chrin and her husband Dennis; 2 sons: Barry A. Smith, Sr. and his wife Estella; Kevin L. Smith and his companion Nancy Hagmaier all of Easton; 6 grandchildren: Stephanie Kresh, Tiffany, Barry, Jr., Henry, II, Christopher and Marc Smith; 1 step-grandson: Johnathan Chrin; and 3 great-grandchildren: Ashley and Amber Smith and Colten Kresh. She was predeceased by her husband: Hank and siblings: Russell, Melvin, Sr., Charles, Paul and Herbert Weidman, Grace Fassl and Eileen Dingle.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday (Nov. 25) in Arndt’s Lutheran Church,  1851 Arndt Road, Easton with a calling period from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will be in Arndts Cemetery, Forks Twp. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions: May be made to the Center for Vision Loss, 845 W. Wyoming St., Allentown, PA 18103.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Lawrence J. Kolasensky, 57, of Bethlehem died Nov. 13, 2013 in St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born: June 23, 1956 in Hazelton, PA he was the son of the late Lawrence B. and Esther (Fellin) Kolasensky.

Personal: A graduate of Warren Hills High School, Churchman’s Business College and South Dakota State University, he had been the General Manager of Best Western, Allentown; Red Roof Inn, Bethlehem; and Assistant Manager of Marriot Residence Inn, Bethlehem. He was a sports fanatic, music enthusiast and “foodie”. He was also a Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. volunteer and loving father.

Memberships: He was a member of the Riegelsville United Church of Christ.  

Survivors: His son: Lawrence B. Kolasensky, II of Bethlehem; and sister: Linda Gerstenberg. A sister: Laureen Sassano died earlier.

Services: Will be private; the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Offer online condolences at www.ashtonfuneralhome.com.

Joseph L. Kaplan, 94, of Easton, died Monday, November 11, 2013 in ManorCare, Palmer Township.

Born:  May 30, 1919 in Easton, he was a son of the late Morris and Fannie (Sher) Kaplan.

Personal:  He worked at Kaplan’s, Easton for many years until retiring.  He graduated from Easton High School in 1937 and was a Corporal in the Army during WWII.

Memberships:  He was a member of B’nai Abraham Synagogue, Wilson Borough, the Lions Club, the Elks Lodge, the Knights of Pythias and numerous local social clubs. He was also an active fundraiser for the local Veterans Affairs.

Survivors:  A son, Marshall; a daughter, Abby; two brothers, Sidney Kaplan and Dr. Lee Kaplan; a sister Isabel Sciff; a grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Services:  1:00 pm Wednesday, Nov. 13, in B’nai Abraham Synagogue, 1545 Bushkill St., Wilson Borough.  Interment in B’nai Abraham Cemetery, Forks Township.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions:  B’nai Abraham Synagogue, 1545 Bushkill St., Easton, PA 18042.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Emery “Poker” Clark, Jr., 53, of Easton, PA died Saturday, November 9, 2013.

Born: February 25,1960 in Clermont, FL he was a son of Mildred (Fuller) Clark of Easton, PA and the late Emery Clark, Sr.

Personal: A 1976 graduate of Easton High School, he had been employed by Lafayette College, K & N Soul Food and Circle Systems.  He was known in Easton as kindhearted and a great handyman. He loved playing his guitar and singing with his band in the late 1970’s.

Memberships: He was a member of Holy Bethlehem Pentecostal Church.

Survivors: Son: Emery, III; daughter: Lovetesha and her wife Holly; brothers: Stacy, Carl and Eric; sister: Shirley; 4 grandchildren including Isaiah; 7 nieces/nephews; 6 great-nieces/nephews and his children’s mother: May VanHorn. His grandmother: Georgia Mae Jefferson, sister: Deborah and his lifelong friend Kenny Staton all died earlier.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Green Pastures Community Church, 28 N. 10th St., Easton with visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the church; the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Interment will be in Easton Heights Cemetery.

Memorials: May be made to the family c/o the funeral home.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.