Ashton Funeral Home

Obituaries

Dean R. Ecke

January 15, 2022

Dean Ecke

Dean Russell Ecke, 79, formerly of Englewood, NJ died Saturday January 15, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem, PA. Born April 11, 1942 in Englewood, NJ he was the loving son of the late Rita (Walsh) and Russell Ecke of Cresskill, New Jersey. He grew up in North Bergen, NJ upstairs from his beloved grandmother, Mary “Mame” Walsh. 

Dean worked as the Vice President alongside his father, for the W.M. Walsh Company, a test boring contractor and geological drilling operation, which his grandfather, Wilfred M. Walsh founded.  Dean was also an actor and as Dean O’Hara, he worked in many plays, commercials and television. He was a founder of the New Dimension Theater Group in Englewood, NJ. He was a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and rejoined the union as he rebuilt his acting career as an older adult.

Dean’s mind, even through the plague of dementia, remained pliable for reciting Shakespeare’s monologues, poetry and various quotations in his larger than life voice which could project to the rafters. A voracious reader and a self-proclaimed autodidact, Dean was the person to turn to for information. He was an Intellectual and valued literature, culture, history, architecture and nature. He enjoyed art, fine dining, theater, music, cinema and all New York City had to offer. He was particularly taken with the works of Stephen Sondheim and Bach. His favorite films were The Big Lebowski and Withnail & I.   In NYC, he was a member of and donated to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum, The Roundabout Theater, The New York Botanical Garden, ASPCA, Film Forum, and in NJ, The Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary along the Palisades.

His sense of humor was unrivaled, absurd and simply hilarious. He could get a laugh out of anyone and always broke the tension with his humorous theatrics and stories. Everyone wanted Dean at their party. He was brilliant at spinning even tragedy, when appropriate, as funny. As his favorite Uncle Artie once said audibly over the casket of his older brother, “Goodbye you old Nanny Goat.” Dean would love to be remembered this way as it made his big, belly laugh boom.  He was kind to all animals and rescued many cats and dogs throughout his lifetime. He was a contributor to animal rights organizations and felt all animals should be treated with dignity and kindness. At the Rainbow Bridge he’ll be reunited with Colonel, Tigger, Baby, The Bat, Blue, Cassie, Alfie, Butterfly, Puck, Ripley and April.

He will be remembered as the most loving and supportive father and best friend of Deanna Gayle Ecke. He is the dear lifelong friend and ex-husband of his forever beloved Janet McVicker Ecke. He is the loving stepfather of Master William Christopher Sheridan. He is the loving “Poppa” of Lilly Olivia Ellsworth. He is the brother of Rita Altomara, brother-in-law of Gary Altomara and uncle of Ginevra Altomara. He is survived by his lovely canine friend, Matilda, whom he was instrumental in rescuing. He is predeceased by his beloved younger sister Deidre Gray Ecke who passed away just forty-six days prior. He is also predeceased by his first cousin and dear friend Walter A. “You Better Take It Easy” Ecke.

Per his wishes, a memorial party with champagne will be held in the warmer months of 2022. For details, please email deannaecke@gmail.com.
Also per his wishes, his ashes will be offered to the Cape Cod Bay in MA, the place he loved most and where he spent many joyous, unforgettable summers with his family. May your unique soul find solace in the depths of the green sea. Be at peace. We love you. Keep holding my hand Dad. You’ve finished the hat.


Memorial contributions, fostering or rescue of an animal in need may be made in his honor through Ready for Rescue in New York City. Their website is: www.readyforrescue.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

 

 

Ida M. Gallagher

January 13, 2022

Ida M. Gallagher, 60, of Easton, died Thursday, January 13, 2022 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born May 20, 1961 in Los Angeles, California, she was a daughter of Jose Cecil Camarena and Barbara (Antunez) Camarena. Ida was a member of Cornerstone Church, Easton.

Surviving are two daughters, Crystal Jones and her husband, Raymond and Samantha Gallagher and three grandchildren. Her husband, Donald Joseph Gallagher, II died earlier.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Church, 411 March St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jean R. Brown

January 8, 2022

Jean R. Brown, 93, of Easton, died Saturday, January 8, 2022 in Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth.  Born April 14, 1928 in Palmer Township, she was a daughter of the late Edna L. (Heil) Brown and J. A. Brown.  She graduated from Nazareth High School in 1946 and Churchman Business School in 1948.  She was employed by General Crushed Stone, Forks Township and Lafayette College and was a legal secretary for Edward J. Danser in Easton.  Jean is survived by her cousin, Rev. Bradford W. Heil of Lancaster, Pa.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Farmersville Cemetery, Bethlehem Township.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Couriers International (BCI), 5150 Fair Oaks Blvd., #101-328, Carmichael, CA 95608 or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 330 Ferry St., Easton, PA 18042.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jeffrey C. Trauger

January 4, 2022

Jeffrey Clayton Trauger, 60 of Nazareth, PA died Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born February 27, 1961 in Wilson Borough, PA he was a son of the late Susan Ann (Campbell) and Elvin E. Trauger. He was a graduate of Easton High School and was employed as a sous chef for Sodexo at Lafayette and Muhlenberg Colleges for many years.

He is survived by his brothers: William Trauger of Saylorsburg, PA, Robert and James of Bethlehem, PA; many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services are 2:30 PM Monday (Jan. 10) at Farmersville Cemetery, 8065 William Penn Hwy, Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Irene E. Zink

December 30, 2021

Irene Elizabeth Zink, 73 of Whitehall, PA formerly of Easton, PA died Thursday, December 30, 2021 at ProMedica, Bethlehem, PA. Born September 29, 1948 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary Ruch. She was a graduate of Easton High School and member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Whitehall, PA.  She had been employed by the Pocketbook Factory in Easton for several years.

She is survived by her sons: John G. Zink, Jr. and Brian K. Zink; and 3 brothers: Frank, Billy and Robert Ruch. Her husband John G. Zink, Sr. died in 1997.

Graveside services are 9:30 AM Wednesday (Jan. 5) in Hays Cemetery (formerly South Easton Cemetery), Easton, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Edythe B. Summitt

December 29, 2021

Edythe B. Summitt, 87, of Easton, died Wednesday, December 29, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born March 4, 1934 in Elizabeth, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Myrtle (Ascough) Ficke. She worked for Northampton County Domestic Relations and Family Guidance Center of Warren County. Edythe was a member of First Baptist Church, Phillipsburg.

Surviving are her children, Gary Yarnell and his wife, Wilma, James Yarnell, Kathleen Allen, Daniel Yarnell, Barbara Taylor and her husband, Bryan, Judy Anderson and Michele Miller; 19 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter. A son, David Yarnell, a grandson and a great grandson died earlier.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 7, 2022 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be in Forks Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015 or Pibbles Paws Safe Haven, 545 Creek Rd., Bath, PA 18014. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

James B. Seifert

December 27, 2021

James B. Seifert

James Byron Seifert, 92 of Forks Twp., PA died Monday, December 27, 2021 at his home. Born July 27, 1929 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Martha M. (Santee) and Elbert F. Seifert. His wife Shirley Ann (Fehnel) Seifert died in 2017. He was a graduate of Easton High School, and was a farmer in Forks Twp. for most of his life. He was of the Lutheran faith and an avid hunter.

He is survived by nieces and nephews: Harold (Aleta) Seifert, Nancy (Richard) Getz, Daphne Rodriguez, Clinton (Edna) Seifert, Fred (Genia) Laube, Sylvia (Larry) Harris, and great nieces/nephews. He was predeceased by siblings: Althea Steckel, Martha Orth, Anna Weaver, Harriet Laube, Harold Seifert, Sr. and George Seifert.

Services are 1 PM Monday (Jan. 3, 2022) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, with interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial contributions may be made to Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Jeannette L. Orso

December 23, 2021

Jeannette Orso

Jeannette L. (Flad) Orso, 65, of Palmer Township, PA, died Thursday, December 23, 2021 in her home. Born November 26, 1956 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Donald C. Flad Sr. and Beverly S. (Strohl) Flad. She and her husband Stephen “Steve” R. Orso were married 33 years.

Jeannette graduated from Northampton Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and, later, a degree in Library Technical Services. She then completed a Baccalaureate degree in Religion with honors from Cedar Crest College.

Jeannette worked at several area libraries including the Easton Area Public Library, the Skillman Library of Lafayette College, the Memorial Library of Nazareth, and Northampton Community College. She also served as Director of the Hellertown Area Library.

Surviving with her husband Steve is one child, Sheena Ortiz, and her husband Orlando Ortiz, of Easton; brothers Donald Flad Jr. and his husband Earl Bethel and Chris Flad of Allentown; son-in-law Nathan Mendsen; and grandchildren Kylie, Aiden, Naudia, Hannah, Natalie, and Leona. A daughter, Devin Elizabeth Mendsen, died in 2017.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:30 PM Thursday, May 26 at the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 1:30 to 2:30 PM in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ of Easton, 229 Church St, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.