Obituaries

Claudia Lucia DePamphilis Morrison, 56 of Williams Twp., PA died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from complications of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disease. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born December 1, 1964, in Easton, PA, she was a daughter of the late Lucia (Caporaso) and Raffaele DePamphilis. She was a 1982 graduate of Notre Dame High School and received a degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Staten Island. Claudia graduated from the NYPD Police Academy in 1994 and was a dedicated officer from 1994 to 2008. She served in the 120 and 123 Precincts on Staten Island, including extensive work during the aftermath of 9/11. In her early years she was an accomplished gymnast and cheerleader. She was also a gifted piano player, with a constantly growing repertoire of classical arrangements and Broadway hits. Claudia enjoyed staying active outdoors and was in constant motion except when relaxing at the beach on family vacations with her children. Her family will remember her laughter, outgoing personality, and glowing smile.

She is survived by her loving partner: Samuel Lobb with whom she resided; 3 daughters: Carly Jean Anderson Briggs (husband Ben) of Albany, NY, Cynthia Lucia Morrison and Alicia Faith Morrison both of Staten Island, NY; 3 sisters: Caroline Eppinger (husband Chuck) of Saylorsburg, PA, Violetta DePamphilis of Martins Creek, PA, Anne Schultheis (husband Eric) of Nags Head, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

A calling period will be held 10 to 11 AM Tuesday (June 8) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA followed by a memorial service at 11 AM.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Donate To Us | Defeat MSA Alliance or Make A Donation Donate | North Carolina Aquarium Society (ncaquariumsociety.com) . 

Earl C. Stocker passed away peacefully on May 27, 2021 at his home in Easton, PA. Earl was a giver – through his kindness, through his creativity, and through his guitar playing. He helped many people in many ways and left every moment better than he found it. He spent his life in Easton and was proud of his home. As a boy, he would hike the trails of the nearby hillsides, drink from the waters of the Second Spring, and generally get up to no good with his eight siblings. As an adult, “Mr. Easton” couldn’t go more than one block downtown in his trademark overalls and newsboy cap without having three conversations and making four future commitments, leading us to coin the phrase, “he’s on Earl Time.”

Earl saw the world in a different way, and captured his world in art. His work spanned many mediums and styles, and his work was displayed in galleries from eastern Pennsylvania to Central Europe. Each time you look at his art, you discover a new face, a new meaning, a new way of looking at things. From brilliant collages years in the making, to poignant pieces about the Environmental Crisis, to garlic head caricatures for Garlic Fest and shad people sketches for the Shad Festival, each piece of Earl’s work brought great joy to many people.

He dedicated his life to helping others and spent decades as an Activities Director at ENC and Recreational Aide at Gracedale. His “peeps” loved him because he made them feel seen. He learned their favorite song on the guitar to bring back fond memories. He planned a private fishing trip when he found out you loved fishing. He saw you, learned what made you smile, and made it happen.

He is survived by his high school prom date turned loving wife, Sondi; his children, Allison, Chris, Heather, and Jessica, of whom he was “endless proud”; his grandchildren, Lillian and Isabella; his siblings, Calvin, Helen Mae, Louis, and Susan; and many, many more loved ones and friends. He was predeceased by his first wife, Beth, and his siblings, Barbara, George, Jack, and Nancy.

Earl was selfless, a giver of light and laughter, and a friend to all. The world is a better place from his kindness, his thoughtfulness, and his creativity. He will live on forever through his art and through the people he touched.

A visitation will be held 10 to 11:30 AM Saturday, June 5 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 or the Arts Community of Easton (A.C.E.), P.O. Box 465, Easton, PA 18044. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Violet J. Tolton, 88, of Greentown, PA, died Tuesday, May 25, 2021 in her home.

Born March 28, 1933 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Foster Walter Uhl, Sr. and M. Elizabeth (Walter) Uhl.

She graduated from Simon-Gratz High School, Philadelphia and Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia where she received a four-year scholarship to attend. Violet was a member of the Greene-Dreher Historical Society.

Surviving are her children, William Tolton and his wife, Alice of Horsham, Lee Tolton and his wife, Connie of Ardsley and Terri Tolton-Schneebeli and her husband, Steve of Kunkletown; two sisters, Joyce Batzel of Canadensis and Gladys Nevin of Quakertown; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Her daughter, Chris Tolton and her brothers, Foster, Martin and Walter Uhl died earlier.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Friday, June 4, 2021 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 pm on Friday at the South Easton Cemetery, West Lincoln Street and Iron Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Matthew Robert “Big Matt” Joyce, 64, of Easton, PA died Sunday, May 23, 2021, surrounded by his family, at the home of his daughter. Born February 9, 1957 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of Lucy (Matthews) Joyce and the late John Joyce, Sr. His wife, Catherine (Collazo) Joyce died in May of 2018. A graduate of Delbarton High School and Kings College, he was a member of the Steam Fitters Union, Local 475. Matt was also a member of numerous social clubs including Liberty Hose, Old Democratic Club and Little Palmer Vol. Fire Co.

He is survived by his mother; his daughters: Jessica Joyce (fiancé Kevin McNally) with whom he’s been residing in W. Easton, PA, Jacqueline Gonzalez (husband Dilman) of Forks Twp., PA; brothers: John and Timothy; sisters: Cecelia, Julie, Lucy; 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine and son: Joshua Leighton.

Visitation will be held 2 to 4 PM Wednesday (May 26) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o of the Ashton Funeral Home. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert B. “Bob” “Mr. Bear” Giebler, 67, of Wilson Borough, formerly of Keansburg, NJ, died Monday, May 17, 2021 in Chestnut Hill Hospital.

Born April 14, 1954 in New York City, he was a son of the late Robert F. and Barbara (Fox) Giebler Smith. He and his wife, Harreen (Snyder) Giebler were married 37 years.

Bob owned Giebler Lawn Care and was a cook at Fat Jacks’ and Shruty’s Pub. He also worked at Victaulic and Victor Balata Co.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and was an avid golfer.

Surviving with his wife, Harreen are a daughter, Kaylynn Weikel; a brother, Scott Giebler and his wife, Patty; and a sister, Barbara Andes. His brothers, Walter, Glen and Dennis Giebler died earlier.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, www.pennstatehealth.org/giving.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Marcus “Mark” Friedel, III, 58 of Palmer Twp., PA died Sunday, May 16, 2021 at home. Born June 27, 1962 in Summit, NJ he was a son of Doris (Schuessler) and Marcus Friedel, Jr. of Jupiter, FL. He was a graduate of Penn State and was employed by Ryan Herco Flow Solutions in Branchburg, NJ for more than 30 years. Mark was a member of Citizens Hose, Liberty Hose, Wilson Democratic Assoc., the Big and Little Palmer Assocs. and a life member of Avona Fire Co. He was also a huge Yankee and Giants fan and avid golfer.

He is survived by his parents; his wife of 35 years: Sherri (Junod) Friedel; his sister: Catherine Loh (Lester); a niece and nephew.

Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Friday (May 21) at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Ave., Easton with visitation 6 to 8 PM Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment will be private in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, E. Hanover, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Patricia L. Stout, 70, of Palmer Twp., PA died Sunday, May 16, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Born December 31, 1950 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late John Evans Jr. and Carolyn (Buss) Schmitz. She was a 1968 graduate of Wilson High School and a banking executive at Lafayette Ambassador Bank for 45 years. She and her husband Barry L. Stout were married for 39 years.

Patti is survived by her devoted husband: Barry; her son: Brady W. Stout and his wife Erin and their children: Clarke and Logan of Wendell, NC; her daughter: Tammy Welsch and her husband Martin and their son: Preston of Quakertown, PA; her brother: Thomas Sampson and his wife Jean and their children: Devon and David of Forks Twp., PA; and stepmother: Ann Louise Evans of Easton, PA. She was predeceased by her parents; her stepfather: Theodore Schmitz and her brother: John Evans, III.

Visitation will be held 5 to 8 PM Tuesday (May 18) in the Ashton Funeral Home 1337 Northampton St., Easton; with graveside services 11 AM Wednesday at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042 or Mylestone Equine Rescue, 227 Still Valley Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 or any animal rescue organization. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.