Obituaries

John Biddle Foley, 95 of Phillipsburg, NJ died Monday, January 23, 2023 at home. Born February 23, 1927 in Park Ridge, NJ he was a son of the late Joseph and Sibyl (Abbott) Foley. He was a graduate of Blairstown High School where he loved theatre and baseball. He served in the Navy on the USS Topeka off the coast of Japan during WWII.

He received his bachelor’s degree from The New Jersey Teacher’s College in 1951 and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. He taught Industrial Arts at Philipsburg High School for many years before retiring in 1984 and was known as “Flash Foley” for taking pictures at sporting events and for the yearbook. John was also very proud of his restoration work on the school clock. He volunteered at the Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg, where he was honored with the Community Service Award and he served on the Shade Tree Commission.

John built his own home in Phillipsburg (living there his whole life) including a putting green where he taught the neighbor kids to golf. He met his wife, the former Shirley (Scott) Smith, on the CB radio (he was Captain Jack, she was Shotgun Shirley), they married in 1984 and spent 34 years together before her passing in 2017. They enjoyed their cabin in the Poconos, where he loved to cut wood for heating and they loved camping in Canada with friends, where he fished on the St. Lawrence from his boat.

He is survived by his beloved family: his stepdaughter: Cindy Moskella and her husband Michael; 5 grandchildren: Carin Kocher (one of his primary caregivers in his last years), Jessica Pretopapa, Jaclyn Best, Christopher and Alexander Smith; 5 great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Carly, Chase, Rowan and Rylan; and his sister: Mary Ellen Schwartz. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, brothers: Joseph, Peter, Andrew and David Foley and stepson: John K. Smith.

Graveside services with military honors will be held 11 AM, Friday, Feb. 3 at Union Cemetery, New Williams, Morgan Hill Rd., Easton. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

The family wishes to express special thanks to all his care givers over the years, especially Helen who was his guardian angel and with him the day he left this earth and gratitude to the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice’s wonderful, supportive team. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you take a moment to hug your children, grandchildren or friend or walk in the woods for a moment, an hour, or a day…as time waits for no one.

Darlene Ellen Solove, 73, of Allentown, PA died Sunday, January 22, 2023 at home. Born October 2, 1949 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late William and Madeline (Arnold) Smith. She was a 1967 graduate of Easton High School and played drums for various local rock and Christian Bands in the 1970’s and 80’s. She was employed by Ingersoll-Rand from 1978 to 1987 and Pinebrook Family Services from 2000 to 2022. Darlene was a Suburban Rescue Squad volunteer and Awana Program Assistant for Fellowship Church. She also loved spending time with her family especially her 3 granddaughters.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Daniel M. Solove; her daughter: Sarah DeJesus (Feliciano, Jr.) of Ft. Myers, FL; sister: Deborah Mucklin (Jeffrey) of Easton, PA and 3 granddaughters: Chloe, Arianna, and Leah. She was predeceased by her brother: William Smith.

Services are 10:30 AM Thursday, Jan. 26, in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with visitation 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment is in The Historic Easton Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Ronald P. Lobb, Sr., 80, of Easton, died Sunday, January 22, 2023 in Gracedale.  Born March 31, 1942 in Easton, he was the son of the late Samuel Lobb, Sr. and Edith (Strauss) Lobb.  He worked for the Hunterdon Developmental Center, Clinton.  Prior to that he worked for Ecolaire, West Easton and Ingersoll Rand, Phillipsburg.

Surviving are two sons, Ronald Lobb, Jr. and his wife, Kathleen of Easton, and Randy Lobb and his wife, Kelly of Nazareth; five grandchildren, Zachary, Kaitlyn, Daniel, Mason, and Nolan; and two great grandchildren, Dovelyn and Chayton.  Three brothers, Samuel Lobb, John Lobb, and Robert Lobb and two sisters, Geraldine Poff and Sandra Harrie died earlier.

A graveside service will be held at 9:30 am on Friday, January 27, 2023 in The Historic Easton Cemetery, North 10^th Street, Easton.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to Batten Disease Support & Research Association, www.BDSRAfoundation.org.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Dave’s family is heartbroken to announce that David L. Ott, 65, of Easton, PA passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and faithful companion, Lilly, his English Cream Retriever, after a courageous battle with ALS. Born December 15, 1957 in Betts Hospital, Easton, he was the son of the late Edward and Lois (Lennen) Ott. He graduated from Easton High School in 1975 and later earned his Master’s Plumbers license from LCCC. He worked at Easton Hospital for 30 years, transitioned to Dual-Temp and finally, followed his dream by owning and operating Ott’s Plumbing, LLC. He was often referred to as the plumber of College Hill.

Dave touched many lives in his short time with us, he was known as “Otter” to some of his closest friends and was the kindest, most gentle, hardworking, and caring man anyone could know. A true gentleman, he was dedicated to his family, with a passion for life and, of course, his black C6 Corvette. But Dave’s zest for life came mostly from time spent on the Delaware River. There are so many special memories created from canoeing, jet skiing, boating, waterskiing, or even just sitting peacefully on the dock with family and friends! The river will always be “our happy place” because of Dave!

Dave was a member of the Delaware Canoe Club, Easton Area Corvette Club, Allentown Area Corvette Club, Easton Hospital Bowling League and a member of numerous softball leagues throughout the area, including: Industrial League, Metro League and Palmer League.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lisa (Hess) Ott; his daughter: Jennifer Ott of Easton; his siblings: Edward Ott (Nancy) of Forks Twp., PA, Tom Ott of Kansas City, MO, Janet Miller (Allen) of Mt. Bethel, PA, Robert Ott of Easton, Paul Ott (Lori) of Cummings, GA; 3 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Isabel, Isaac, and Cali and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A calling period will be held Friday, Feb. 3, from 4 to 6 PM in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St. Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Lisa and Jennifer ask that you spend a little extra “quality” time with a loved one, as life is too short, and each moment is special.

Jennifer Kaye Foster, 58 of Easton, PA died Monday, January 16, 2023 at her home. Born May 26, 1964 in Easton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Phillips and Dorothy Lee (Crowell) Kegler. She was a 1982 graduate of Easton High School and employed by the Easton Housing Authority for 23 years. Prior to that she was employed by the Easton Parking Garage and Nazareth National Bank.

She is survived by her daughters: Jennay Rachae’ Foster, Tiara Jemet Foster and Kayja Breale Foster all of Easton; her sister: Ida “Necy” Bullett , her brothers: Willie “Ben” and Rufus “Leon” Kegler and Shawn DeWitt all of Easton; 5 grandchildren: Ny’Vae Terry, Zarye Williamson, Jonathan Joseph, Aria Johnson and Jaxon Joseph; and her best friend and former husband: Michael Foster of Easton. She was predeceased by a brother: Jonathan Kegler and sister June Kegler.

Services are 11 AM Wednesday (Jan. 25) in the Revival Fire Ministries, 927 W. Berwick St., Easton with visitation from 10 to 11 AM. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in Hays Cemetery. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Richard F. Keiper, 88, of Bethlehem Township, died Monday, January 16, 2023 in ProMedica, Old Orchard. Born May 13, 1934 in Easton, he was the son of the late Claude E. Keiper, Sr., and Nina (Stone) Keiper. He and his wife, Linda L. (Carey) Keiper were married 43 years. He owned Richard F. Keiper Insurance Agency, Wilson Borough and was the broker/owner of Re/Max Professionals Real Estate Co., Wilson Borough. Richard was a member of First Moravian Church, Easton. He served in the US Army from 1957 to 1963 stationed in France. He began his career in life insurance at Colonial Life in Easton. After ten years, he opened his own insurance agency, representing Sun Life and The Travelers. Soon after, he obtained his insurance broker’s license in the states of PA and NJ. He became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 1969 and served as President of Easton and Vicinity Life Underwriters Association from 1970 to 1971. In 1984 he obtained his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. In 1978 Dick became an Associate Real Estate Broker with Cole-Salmon, Inc. Then in 1984 he opened his own real estate office, Re/Max Professionals as broker/owner and later became an associate broker with Re/Max 100 until his retirement.
Dick was larger than life. He loved being with people, had a great personality and a booming laugh that would rock the room. He enjoyed bowling throughout his life and with the MORA Club in recent years. He also enjoyed pitching quoits. Dick liked to remain active in later years working for Hertz Rental Cars at the LVIA. For many years he enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and that was a source of relaxation for him. He also loved bicycling and walking.

Surviving with his wife, Linda, are a daughter, Holly Schuster and her husband, Josh, of Kutztown; two grandchildren, Angela McCavera, her fiancé, Eric Berger and their daughter, Blake of Lehighton, and Maximillian McCavera of Allentown; and two nieces, Cynthia Gibbs and her husband, Edward of Morrison, Colorado, and Suzanne Coogan and her husband Kevin of Sykesville, Maryland. His brother, Claude Keiper, Jr. died earlier.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 20, 2023 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Friday in the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to First Moravian Church, 225 N. 10th St, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Dale William Harrison, 77, also known by many as the “General” passed away peacefully in his home in Kunkletown on Saturday, January 14, 2023. Born October 1, 1945 in Easton, PA he was a son of the late Gladys (Shupe) and Bishop Harrison. A 1963 graduate of Easton High School, he received his Bachelor’s degree from Tusculum College in Tennessee and his Master’s degree from Ol’ Miss followed by a fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dale proudly taught History at Nazareth High School for 33 years before retiring. He was a member of Mensa International and actively involved in the historical reenactment community through his historical reproduction business, the Blanket Brigade. Dale will be remembered for his deep affection of the past and his respect for our nation’s history.

He is survived by 4 children: Trevor Harrison (Tracey) of Souderton, PA, Kelley Cameron (Scott) of Palmer Twp., PA, Meghan McMahon (Dan) of Palmer Twp., PA, and Kathleen Harrison of Easton, PA; his 8 beloved grandsons: Justin Harrison, Quinn Cameron, Aidan Harrison, Alex Cameron, Logan Harrison, Greyson Harrison, Finn McMahon, Kayleb Zigubu; and his best friend and partner: Cecilia Rorro.

A calling period will be held from 5 to 7 PM Thursday (Jan.19) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private in The Historic Easton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homestead Veterinary, Baby Blue Compassion Fund, 148 Jonas Rd., Kunkletown, PA 18058, to assist those in need of financial assistance to receive lifesaving medical care for their animals. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.