Obituaries

John Giardiniere, of Forks Township, devoted husband, beloved father, teacher and friend passed into the presence of his Savior on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.

Born Samuel Frank John Giardiniere on May 16, 1928 to Carmelo and Maria Angela (Galati) Giardiniere of Bangor, PA, he and his wife, the former Mary Bowen, were married for 62 years.

He was a dedicated member, a faithful pianist and a former adult choir director at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church in Palmer Township. In previous years, he served on the Board of Deacons at the church.

He was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for the Easton Rotary Club where he was active since 1965.

After attending Bangor High School and the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, he went on to graduate from West Chester State College in 1952. He began his teaching career in Honesdale, PA before moving on to teach in the Quakertown School District. In 1955, he accepted a position as a vocal and instrumental music teacher at the Palmer Township Elementary School, concurrently teaching Elementary Music Methods at Moravian College. Over a 37-year teaching career, he was awarded a life membership to the Palmer Township Parent Teachers Association and, upon his retirement in 1989, he became a life member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Mary Angela Taylor and her husband Jeff of Laurel, MD, Judi Morgan and her husband Dan of Flemington, NJ, a son David Giardiniere and his wife Marilee of West Chester, PA, and a sister, Lucy Finocchio of Palmer Township. Also surviving him are six grandchildren: Carey Morgan, John Robert Giardiniere, Rachel Taylor, Adrienne Giardiniere, Jacob Taylor and Peter Giardiniere.

An avid gardener, cook and traveler, he spoke fluent Italian and loved visiting family in Italy and Sicily.

The family will be receiving visitors at Ashton Funeral Home, 14th and Northampton Streets in Easton on Sunday afternoon, May 20 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Easton. A short visitation will precede the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Organ Fund of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church.

Annetta M. “Nettie” Gottfried, 77, of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Saturday, May 5, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: July 11, 1934 in Easton she was a daughter of the late Donald and Florence McNair Murphy. Her husband John G. Gottfried died in 2010.

Personal: A 1952 graduate of Easton High School she had been employed by Mack Printing, Wilson Borough for many years before retiring.

Memberships: She was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Palmer and secretary for the former Lehigh Valley Ostomy Association.

Survivors: 2 daughters: Sheila Seifert and her husband Rodney of Rockaway, NJ; Gwen Steckel of Bethlehem Twp., PA; a sister: Mildred Henning of Bethlehem Twp.; 2 grandsons: Christian Seifert and his wife Jessica, Gregory Seifert and his wife Jennifer; and 6 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Lilyanna, Abigail and Oliver.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m.  Wednesday (5/9) in the church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton with visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 14th and Northampton Sts., Easton. Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions: May be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 363 S. Rte. 100, Allentown, PA 18106.

Beatrice Freeman, 91, of Easton died Tuesday, May 1, 2012 in Easton Nursing Center.

Born: July 11, 1920 in Alpha, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Stella Firman.

Personal: Beatrice worked at Lafayette College. Her husband, Austin Freeman died earlier.

Memberships: She was a member of VFW Post #1290, Easton.

Survivors: Daughter, Glenny Freeman and her husband, Joe of Pohatcong Township; 3 grandchildren, Louis J. Freeman, Leatrice Current and Lorilynn Fearon; and 6 great grandchildren.

Services: A visitation will be held from 6 – 7:30 pm Friday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.

Memorials: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 4383, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Carole A. Butler, 66, of Palmer Twp. died Monday, April 30, 2012 in Easton Hospital.

Born: July 7, 1945 in Melrose, MA she was a daughter of the late Solemon and Edith Ianello Boger. She and her husband James C. Butler have been married for 29 years.

Personal: A graduate of William Allen HS she received degrees in nursing and journalism from Penn State University and worked in the marketing and advertising field. She was an avid golfer and participated in several golf leagues.

Memberships: She was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Palmer Twp.

Survivors: Her husband: James; sons: Bryan Zimmerman and his wife Donna of Center Valley; Erik Zimmerman and his wife April of Cross Junction, VA; step-children: James Butler, II and his wife Cheryl of Catasauqua, PA; Kimberly Dudrich and her husband Paul of Archbald, PA; a brother: Robert Boger of Easton; sisters: Doris Mathew of Sante Fe, NM; Joanne Long of Rocklin, CA; a grandson and 6 step-grandchildren.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday (5/4) in the church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton; with a calling period from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Church. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

MemorialContributions: May be made to an animal rescue organization of choice.