Obituaries

Megan Haldeman, 97, formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Friday, April 9, 2021 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA. Born July 7, 1923 in Palmerton, PA she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Hughes) and Thomas Evans. Her husband Robert Haldeman died in May of 2005. A graduate of the Allentown General School of Nursing, she was an RN at Somerset Valley Nursing Home in Bridgewater, NJ before retiring from Janssen Pharmaceuticals. She was a member of the former St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Easton and Senior Circle. Megan was very proud of her Welsh heritage, having spent some of her formative years in Wales. She loved knitting and she loved time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by three children: Nancy Haldeman of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Robert E. Haldeman (wife Monica) of Flemington, NJ, Megan Principato (husband Rick) of Palmer Twp., PA; a brother: Tom Evans of Glen Ellyn, IL; and five grandchildren: Mark Principato, Alyssa Bell (husband Dan), Lauren Principato (fiancé Cody Kinkaide), Thomas J. Haldeman and Robert P. Haldeman.

Due to concerns about COVID, services are private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

James A. Jocsak, 94, of Bethlehem Township, PA passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital on April 6, 2021.

Born in Easton PA, he was the son of the late John and Helen (Ar) Jocsak.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Brenda) Jocsak, and daughter, Jessica (Ben) Jones III, both of Nazareth; four grandchildren Hayley, Hannah, Hayden Jones, Emylu Lear, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Emily (Navle), daughter Laureen (Matthews); twin brothers William and John, brothers Joseph and Charles; sister Helen (Finney).

He worked as a draftsman at Dixie Cup Co. and Follett Corp. after serving in the US Navy during WWII. He was a devoted member of the Easton and Nazareth congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A virtual memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Richard “Rick” R. Ruland, 89, of Bethlehem Township, died Wednesday, March 31, 2021 in his home.

Born May 29, 1931 in Clarks Green, PA, he was a son of the late Royd A. J. and Thelma R. (Cook) Ruland. His wife, Dorothy “Toby” (Kellow) Ruland died in 2006.

Rick graduated from Wilson High School in 1949 and Lafayette College in 1953 with a BA in Economics and Business. He then served in the US Army at Fort Benning, GA as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was an executive at Bethlehem Steel Corporation for more than 30 years. Later he served as President of Green Pond Golf Course. In addition he was on the Board of Directors of Green Pond Golf Course and General Supply Company.
He and Toby were volunteers for Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the Delaware River at the family summer cottage in Foul Rift, PA and was an avid deer hunter.

Surviving are his daughter, Ricki R. Briggs and her husband, Jeffrey M. Briggs of Lyme, CT; his son, Rodd R. Ruland and his wife, Lorie F. Ruland of Amherst, NH; and four grandchildren, Devin T. Briggs and his wife, Terese E. Briggs, Chase R. Briggs, Reid R. Ruland and his wife, Dana H. Ruland, and Paige I. Ruland. His brother, Donald B. Ruland and his sister, Irene R. Potter died earlier.

Services will be private. Donations can be made to The Greater Lehigh Valley Meals on Wheels, www.mowglv.org. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

John F. Kies, 90, of Nazareth, PA died Sunday, March 28, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born September 13, 1930 in Easton, he was a son of the late John Kies, Sr. and Pauline (Pevorous) Kies Sigafoos. He was a 1950 graduate of Easton High School and served in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. He had been employed by Metropolitan Edison for 35 years before retiring in 1991. He was also a skilled electrician. John was a member of the VFW, where he bartended and worked Bingo. He was a member of the Fleas, American Legion, Brown and Lynch Post and he  coached football and baseball.

He is survived by his children: Harold Kies (Susan) of Bangor, PA, Sandra Muschock (Barry) of Portland, PA; brothers: Richard and Bradley; 4 grandchildren: Jen Werkheiser (Marvin) with whom he resided, Casey Kies, Kara Muschock, Nicole Evans; 3 great-grandchildren: Ian, Alyssa, Caleb and a great-great-granddaughter: Haley. His wife: Adele W. (Quick) Kies died in 2017.

A graveside service will be held 2:30 PM Monday (April 5) in Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Eugenia Lois “Jean” Foss, 92 of Martins Creek, PA died Sunday, March 28, 2021 at home. Born May 26, 1928 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Sara D. (VanNortwick) and Thomas F. Mandarino. A 1945 graduate of Easton High School, she had been employed by the City of Easton in the Office of the Treasurer. Jean was a lifetime member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Easton.

She is survived by her children: Scott Foss, with whom she resided, Steve Foss (wife Marcia) of Old Forge, PA, Sally Murgia (husband Peter) of Forks Twp., PA; a sister: Ellen Moskella of Bethlehem Twp., PA; and 4 grandchildren: Marissa, Katrina, Giavanna and Matthew. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Clarence E. “Chub” Foss who died March 24, 2020 and her brother: Thomas Mandarino.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10 AM Wednesday (March 31) at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th and Lehigh Streets, Easton. Interment will be private in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.  The funeral will be on Facebook LIVE on St. Anthony’s Church Parish page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stanthonyeaston

The family wants to thank Heartland Hospice, especially Jean’s aide, April, for their friendship and their care. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 951 Marcon Blvd., Suite 3, Allentown, PA 18109 or Heartlandhospicefund.org/donate. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.