Obituaries

David William Tinsman passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 2nd, just one day after his 70th birthday. David was the first-born child to E. William Tinsman and M. Lorraine Fulmer of Easton, PA. David spent the first 47 years of his life in PA enjoying his lovely home on College Hill in Easton with his mother, father and younger sister and brother. During those years, David participated in many memorable moments with family, friends and relatives.

It was in this first chapter in David’s life that he developed his short, but never disappointing list of things that he absolutely loved. Bowling, mini golf, food, carnivals and television were the things he would enjoy without fail. Although slight in stature, David had a full-sized appetite and, along with his mother’s wonderful home cooked meals, David also loved to eat out. Not necessarily to try new things as he knew what he liked and rarely strayed from his personal menu as routine was his comfort zone. Anyone who knew Dave in his younger years, or even to a more recent time could almost order for him, with spaghetti being his “go to” topped off with ice cream or a slice of homemade pie. He also loved carnivals, both big and small. There was something about the lights, action and excitement that drew in his attention like nothing else. He could spend the whole day enjoying the food, sights and rides, especially the bumper cars. Bushkill Park and, later, the Champlain Valley Fair were his favorites. Television also played a big role in David’s life as he could watch reruns of Superman, Leave it to Beaver and the Twilight zone endlessly. Beyond all else though was his infatuation with the Wizard of Oz. Even today after seeing it hundreds of times you could still see him get excited especially when the witch would make her entrance.

The sudden loss of his father in 1999 would forever change his family’s life and would alter the course of Dave’s future, as well as the home he and his mom knew so well. His mom made the decision to sell their home and move to reunite with the remainder of her family in VT where David’s younger sister and brother Steven resided. As big a move as it was, especially for someone like Dave that was averse to change, the second chapter in his life would end up being wonderfully rewarding for him. A cozy condo situated in the foothills of the Green Mountains in Jericho Vermont was where David would now call home. There David would often be seen striding around the quiet neighborhood loop. It was at this time that David began living his best life, especially once introduced to the services of Howard Mental Health and his devoted case manager for the remainder of his life, Jess Fox. Through outings with several wonderful individual care providers over a 23-year span, David thrived. He loved to bowl and enjoyed eating lunch out with his care providers. This helped him form a well-rounded life for which his mom was forever thankful. When his mother passed in 2019 there was concern that David would struggle without his most ardent protector who had defended him so strongly against the many challenges he faced. David surprised everyone by adapting to the situation and carrying on with the help of his younger brother and sister.

Then tragedy struck once again when he lost his younger brother to cancer in 2021. During those difficult times, his sister Sharon lovingly took the lead to make sure David’s needs were taken care of. In addition to steadfastly taking him to all his medical appointments, Sharon would enjoy the company of her brother on their regular Wednesday outings where they developed a newfound appreciation for each other. For the last three years, David resided with longtime Howard respite provider Joyce Fortin where he enjoyed good conversation, shared television shows and wonderful home cooked meals.

David was predeceased by his father Bill in 1999, mother Lorraine in 2019 and younger brother Steven in 2021. He is survived by his sister Sharon Carpenter and her husband John of Williston, VT and their daughter Kellie Carpenter of Essex Jct., VT. He is also survived by his cousins Karen, Eric and Holly Gingras of Burlington, VT and Chris Savoni of TX, his Aunt Fay of Danville, VT and Aunt Betty and cousins back in PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations should go to Howard Mental Health (https://howardcenter.org/donate/) The services they offer are invaluable and greatly needed.  Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joan Delaney Hobart, of Nazareth, PA, formerly of Easton, PA, passed away on October 1, 2024 at age 95, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dr. John H. Hobart, who died in 2020.

Daughter of the late Joseph M. Delaney and Anna (Lane) Delaney, she was raised in Meriden, CT. She graduated from Meriden High School, and earned a B.A. from Columbia University School of Nursing. She met her husband John while he was a medical student at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. After graduation, she worked as a nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Joan and John were married in 1956 and moved to Landstuhl, Germany where John served as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps and Joan worked as a civilian nurse at the US Army Medical Center. They enjoyed traveling throughout Europe on weekends and vacations while stationed in Germany.

In 1962, they moved to Easton where John entered private medical practice and where they raised their family. In addition to managing a family of five children through school, sports, and other activities, Joan volunteered with the Easton Hospital Women’s Auxiliary for many years and at the Well Baby Clinic in Easton.

She was happiest spending time with family and friends, and treasured time with her grandchildren. She especially loved babies and dogs. She is remembered by all for her thoughtfulness, her strength and resilience, her quick-wit and her joyful outlook on life.  Joan enjoyed going to the theater, antiquing, playing games with family, reading and book club, the New York Times crossword puzzle, and playing bridge and mahjong with friends.  She was a devout Catholic and was a longtime parishioner of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.

She is survived by her children, John Jr. of Easton, PA; Ann Tinker (John) of Millbrook, NY; William of Allentown, PA; Elizabeth Hobart Zang (Xavier) of San Francisco, CA; Edward (Lauren) of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren Emily, Andrew, Rebecca, Philip, Katherine, Evan, Hannah, Jack, Thomas, and Meghan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Joseph and sisters Mary, Ann, and Dorothy.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Morningstar Living, 175 W. North St., Nazareth, PA 18064; or the American Red Cross. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Belle Scherzer, 103, of Palmer Township, formerly of Union, Springfield, and Westfield, NJ, died Thursday, September 26, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born April 18, 1921 in Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Celia (Cutler) Moss. Her husband, Sidney Scherzer died in 1968.

Surviving are a daughter, Dr. Linda Lewis and her husband, Dr. Irwin Lewis; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter, Laurie Shainker and two sisters, Lilly Scherzer and Frances Cooper.

A private graveside service will be held in Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Bnai Shalom, 1545 Bushkill St., Easton, PA 18042 or St. Luke’s Hospice House, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joseph Pecora, 102, of Bethlehem Township, died Sunday, September 22, 2024 in Legend of Allentown, Macungie. Born October 31, 1921 in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Louis and Mary (Smiraglia) Pecora. His wife, Ethel V. (Moff) Pecora died in 2019. He graduated from Hazleton High School and served in the US Army during WWII and Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received during WWII. Joseph was the District Manager of Car Distribution for Conrail. He previously worked for Lehigh Valley Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad Company.

Surviving are two daughters, Diane Magargal and Joette Marnell; a brother, Louis Pecora; two granddaughters, Cher and Nicole; and two great grandsons, Nolan and Chase.

A private graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, www.dementiasociety.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.