Ashton Funeral Home

Obituaries

Nicholas V. Leone

January 19, 2021

Nicholas V. Leone, of Easton, PA passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem Twp., PA. Born in Easton, he was the son of the late Nicola and Rose Leone. A graduate of Easton High School and Lafayette College, he served proudly in the US Navy. He operated the family business, Leone Brothers Bakery in Easton, for many years before retiring. He was a gourmet cook and baker, who loved gardening, reading, history and traveling. As a member of the Alfa Romeo Club he traveled to Italy and was able to tour the vehicle factory. He was also an avid horseback rider and attended a riding school in Spain. Nick was a kind man who loved his family and friends and was always willing to help others.

He was a best friend and advisor to his sister, Rosalie Leone of Easton. And best friend to his sister, Amelita who died in 1994 and to his sister, Janet who died in 2018. 

Due to COVID concerns, services will be held at the graveside, 11 AM Tuesday (Jan. 26) at Easton Cemetery, N. 7th Street, Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a veteran’s organization of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Betty Ann Joyce

January 17, 2021

Betty Ann Joyce, 91, of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 in her home. Born October 13, 1929 in New York City, she was a daughter of the late Samuel M. and Mabel (O’Leary) Calamar. Her husband, Charles R. Joyce died in 2006.

She was a claims representative for the Social Security Administration, Easton for 22 years.

Surviving are her friends and caretakers, Christine and Harold Gordon and her honorary great grandchildren, Kaytlyn, Emily and Evan Gordon.

Services will be private with interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Animal Health & Welfare, www.healthyanimalcenter.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kylie E. Philhower

January 13, 2021

Kylie Elizabeth Philhower, 27, of Easton, PA died Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Born April 17, 1993 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of Lisa A. Mullen-Philhower of Palmer Twp., PA and Thomas L. Philhower of Easton.

She is survived by her parents; daughters: Aaliyah and Aaniyah; brothers: Ricky and Tommy Philhower; and sister: Tricia Mosier.

Visitation, following CDC guidelines, will be held from 6 to 7 PM Tuesday (Jan. 19) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the funeral home. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Louis Niko

January 9, 2021

Louis Niko, 92, of West Easton, died Saturday, January 9, 2021. Born February 24, 1928 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of the late Andrew Niko, Sr. and Mary (Vunderley) Niko. His wife, Leona (Shaw) Niko died in 2014.

Louis was a maintenance supervisor for NBI Foods and played Santa at the Land of Make Believe, Hope, NJ and the Phillipsburg Mall. He served in the Navy during WWII.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Nazareth where he held leadership positions. He was a councilman for the Borough of West Easton for 47 years and was a life member of Safety First Volunteer Fire Company.

Surviving are two daughters, Sharon Niko and Lu Anne Niko of West Easton, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A brother, Andrew Niko and two sisters, Clara Niko and Priscilla Pacovich died earlier.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, January 15, 2021 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Private interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jacqueline C. Selby

January 8, 2021

Jacqueline Selby

Jacqueline Christine Selby, 73, of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Thursday, January 7, 2021 at home. Born Easter morning, April 6, 1947 in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Elizabeth (Ehrenbolger) Kamenides. She and her husband, Richard Selby had a “great run” for 48 years before his passing. A graduate of Wiesbaden High School in Germany, she had been employed by Muhlenberg Hospital in the Emergency Room for 28 years. Jackie loved cooking, her gourmet group, card games, bowling, her exercise groups and attending her children’s activities through the years. She especially loved traveling to Europe, Asia, South and Central America, the Caribbean and the USA, exploring and learning along the way.

Now on her final trip, she is survived by her beautiful daughter: Julie Bell of Prosper, TX; her handsome son: Gregory (wife Renee) of Nazareth, PA; the grandchildren they blessed her with and so enjoyed: Chadwick Kennington and Ellie Bell, Paige and Benjamin Selby; her brother: Michael Kamenides of Granby, MA; two nephews and a niece. A brother Mark Kamenides died earlier.

Visitation will be held 5 to 6:30 PM Thursday (Jan. 14) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Services will be private with entombment in Bethlehem Memorial Park.

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

Elvira Smith Buchanan

January 7, 2021

Elvira Smith Buchanan, 65, of Easton, PA died suddenly Thursday, January 7, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Easton Campus. Born January 6, 1956 in Bethlehem, PA she was a daughter of the late Amos and Beatrice (Graves) Smith. She was a bus assistant for a private school in the Lehigh Valley for several years.

She is survived by her children: Heather Smith and Robert Dunston; a sister: Betty Smith and her sons: Blane Sandt, Jr. and Tyson Sandt, Sr.; her longtime companion: Robert Starling; and grandchildren. A sister: Shirley and brothers: Amos and Edward died earlier.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Carol A. Lee

January 6, 2021

Carol A. Lee, 78, of Palmer Township, died Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Born October 28, 1942 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Karl and Glenus (Ackerman) Kroening. Her husband, Marlen E. Lee died in 2001.

She and her husband owned Leslie’s Luncheonette. Carol worked for Wood Co. for 30 years and retired in 2012. She also catered for the F.O.E. and worked at Orr’s Department Store. She was a member of Palmer Moravian Church, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a poll worker in Palmer Township.

Surviving are her sons, Steven Lee, Alan Lee and his wife, Debbie, and Christopher Lee and his wife, Suzanne; nine grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Monday, January 11, 2021 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Private interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial contributions may be made to Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, PA 18045.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Pamela N. “Pam” Lechner

January 5, 2021

Pamela “Pam” N. (Price) Lechner, 74, of Sacramento, CA, formerly of Easton, PA died Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Sacramento. Born September 6, 1946 in Phillipsburg, NJ she was the daughter of Stanley Price of Easton and the late Mary (Bradley) Price. She graduated from Easton High School in 1964 and had been a member of the marching bands of both Easton and Phillipsburg High Schools. She was employed by the former Laubach’s Store, Bell Telephone and ski resorts in Vermont and was a former member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Phillipsburg. She is survived by her father, Stanley; stepmother: Dorothy Price; and cousins.

Services are private with interment in South Easton/Hays Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.