Obituaries

Vernon G. Altemose, Jr., 89, of Palmer Twp., PA, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA. Born August 23, 1932 in Forks Twp., PA, he was the son of the late Vernon G. Altemose, Sr. and Anna (Miller) Altemose, and stepson of Elda Stout Altemose.

A 1950 graduate of Nazareth High School and a 1954 graduate of Temple University in Business Administration, Vernon was a member of the Temple Honorary Accounting Society as well as Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as his fraternity’s treasurer during his years at Temple. He was an avid baseball, football, and basketball fan of the Temple Owls, The Philadelphia Eagles, and the old Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Athletics. Vernon was a partner in the accounting firms of Degan Messer and Co. and D.H. Messer and Co., serving as a Certified Public Accountant. For 30 years, Vernon also served as the accountant and treasurer of The Easton Home from 1957 – 1988.

Vernon served his community as a member of the Easton Lions Club for over 58 years, acting as treasurer for 40 years and as president in 1969. He was honored with the Lions Club’s highest and most prestigious award “Melvin Jones Award”. Additionally, along with his wife, Vernon was a member of and active in the life of St. Peter’s UCC, Tatamy, PA, having served as a deacon and elder for over 50 years and as treasurer for over 38 years. Other memberships included: The American Institute of CPA’s, The Pennsylvania Institute of CPA’s, lifetime member of the Pomfret Club, the Tatamy Fire Co., Junior Chamber of Commerce of Easton, Temple University Owl Club, and the F&AM Easton Lodge #152.

Vernon and his wife enjoyed traveling the country. His favorite place was Hilton Head Island, SC, which he visited with friends and family many, many times over the years. He took great pleasure in the beauty of the island, bicycling, walking the white, sand beaches, and local fine dining. Vernon also spent many hours zigzagging up and down the east coast, “chasing” down light houses, his wife’s passion. Vernon and his wife, the former Kathryn “Kitt” Engler, celebrated sixty-three years of marriage prior to her death in December 2017.

Vernon is survived by his four children and their spouses: Pam Valcante (husband, Gregory) of Gainesville, FL, Matthew Altemose(wife Bonnie) of Easton, Gregory Altemose (partner Kathy Haines) of Troy, MI, David Altemose (wife Rachelle) of Palmer Twp.; 14 grandchildren;10 great-grandchildren; and sisters: Marion Starner of Lancaster County and Frances Stoudt of Nazareth. He was preceded in death by his brother: Charles Altemose and sisters: Edith Powell and Alice Pristash.

A Memorial Service will be held April 2, 2022 at 11 AM in St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 401 Broad St., Tatamy, PA. A calling period with refreshments will be held from 9:30 to 11 AM in the church fellowship hall. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org/donate. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Heather Stirner Nutting, 59, of Easton, died Saturday, February 19, 2022 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hospice. Born December 15, 1962 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of Heather (Harland) Applegate and the late Karl Stirner. She and her husband, Mark A. Nutting were married 26 years.
Heather and Mark owned Jiva Fitness, Easton. Prior to that she worked for Easton Academy of Dance and was a graduate of Palisades High School.

Surviving with her husband, Mark are her sons, Ian Nutting and Jackson Nutting; her sister, Noelle Stirner; and her brother, Jonas Stirner.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley, www.cancersupportglv.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Dolly Thelma Rapp, 93 of Easton, PA died Friday, February 18, 2022 at home. Born March 13, 1928 in Bethlehem Twp., PA she was a daughter of the late Alverta (Rockel) and Walter James. Her husband Truman E. Rapp died in 1984. She was a 1947 graduate of Easton High School and was employed by Mrs. Smith Pretzel Bakery in Easton for 19 years. Dolly was a member of First Moravian Church, Easton.

She is survived by her children: Truman E. Rapp, Jr. (wife Sandra) of Hudson, FL, Judith Piatt (companion Charles Schoettler) of Phillipsburg, NJ; 3 grandsons: Shane Rapp, Jeffrey and David Piatt; and 3 great grandchildren: Casey, Grace and Gabriel.

Graveside Services will be held 1:00 PM Monday (February 28, 2021) at the Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3501 Green Pond Road, Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

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

David Von Bing, 68, of Kintnersville, PA died Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with family by his side. Born on September 28, 1953 in Jersey City, NJ, he was a son of the late Ernest and Maryann (McGovern) Von Bing. He was a graduate of Rutgers University and was a field operations manager for Nissan North America, Inc., Somerset, NJ for 35 years before retiring in 2019. David was an avid recreational pilot, a talented woodworker and had a passion for gardening. He is survived by his companion of 22 years, Darlene A. Kaminsky and her children, Daniel Kaminsky and Kelly Kaminsky; three grand daughters and so many family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Roger H. Von Bing.

Dave had a passion for life and everyone who knew him loved him. He was happiest when building birdhouses, working in the garden, flying his airplane or traveling with Darlene. He loved to sell his wares on his little farm stand and was active in the Doylestown Farmers Market. He was adored by his grand daughters and the feeling was mutual. He was the most genuine, generous and caring person you would ever meet.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Memorial contributions may be made to Penn Medicine Transplant Institute, www.pennmedicine.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Richard Ellsworth “Denny” Dennis, 83 of Bethlehem, PA formerly of Easton, PA passed away February 14, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Fountain Hill of complications from COVID-19. Born April 4, 1938 in Easton, he was a son of the late Caroline M. (Kreps) and Arlington Duane Dennis. He was a 1956 graduate of Easton High School where he was a member of the marching band. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps upon graduation, he transferred to the Army before taking over the family business, Dennis Tire Service upon his father’s passing. He then worked for Lehigh Valley Railroad which started his passion for model trains. In 1971 he purchased a small convenience store in Easton that he named Penny’s Corner Store in honor of his wife, owning it for more than 20 years before retiring. He was a lifelong member of Dallas Lodge #152, F&AM (now Easton Lodge) and a Shriner.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Penelope “Penny” (Reese) Dennis; children: Richard “Dewey” Dennis (wife Terry) of Coplay, PA, Loretta Kostyk (husband Harry) of Sellersville, PA, Rhonda Jay (companion Joseph Ernst) of Bethlehem; a sister: Gladys Nigrone of Catasauqua, PA and 2 grandchildren: Rachel and Eric Dennis. His older brother: William Dennis died last week.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 5 PM Tuesday (Feb. 22) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton followed by a service at 5 PM with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Childrens Hospital (at www.lovetotherescue.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (at www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

May Louise Finken, 88 of Palmer Twp., PA died February 6, 2022 at home. Born November 13, 1933 in Bethlehem Twp., PA she was a daughter of the late Ira and Alta (Stackhouse) Piatt. She was a graduate of Wilson High School and had been employed by Lehigh Country Club, Dixie Cup and as a private nanny and caregiver. May also loved to square dance and travel.

She is survived by her children: Kevin Bowyer (Victoria) of Tuscan, AZ, Timothy Bowyer of Nazareth, PA, Stephanie Buenrostro (Francisco) of Columbus, IN; grandchildren: Shane Bowyer, Damon Achey, Jaime Bryant, Ryan Smith, Zachariah Cohen, Timothy Coomer; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by husbands: Ivan Bowyer and John Finken; daughter: Sharon Achey and grandson: Shanon Achey.

Graveside services will be held 1:30 PM, Thursday, March 24 at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare.