Obituaries

Stephen L. Johnson, 78, of Easton, PA died Sunday, July 26, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Coopersburg, PA. Born May 16, 1942 in E. Stroudsburg, PA he was a son of the late Bertha (Hull) and Walter Johnson. He was a 1960 graduate of Easton High School, and co-owner of the former Skip’s Flooring in Phillipsburg, NJ. He worked in the tile and carpeting business for many years before retiring. Steve was a member of Concordia Maennerchor and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Forks Twp. where he was a part-time Deejay. He loved music and sports, including basketball, and was active in several golf leagues.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years: Margaret (Sofie) Johnson; daughters: Tracy Stafnack of Easton, Candace Kelly (husband Steven) of Coopersburg; brother: Richard Johnson of Forks Twp., PA; and his beloved dog Crystal. He was predeceased by his siblings: Carol Heavener, James Johnson and Robert, who died in infancy.

Due to COVID-19, services will be at a later date. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneral Home.com.

Thomas Taylor, 57 of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Arden Courts of Old Orchard. Born December 24, 1962 in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of Arleen (Lindheim) Taylor of Bangor, PA and the late Donald Taylor. Tom was a member of Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Easton and had been a Regional Manager for the Presidential Mortgage Company.

He is survived by his mother, Arleen; his wife: Corrie Stenhouse Taylor; sons: Cameron Taylor of Easton, Malcolm Taylor of Bethlehem Twp.; brother: Donald Taylor of Bangor, PA; Corrie’s children: William Schneck, Andrea Marshall, Kaitlin Derstine; and 7 grandchildren.

A Celebration of his Life will be held 10 AM Tuesday, July 28, at Cornerstone Church, 34 South 2nd Street, Easton, masks are necessary. A brunch will follow the celebration in the fellowship hall. The family asks that those who are uncomfortable attending because of COVID please extend a written condolence at www. AshtonFuneralHome.com instead.

Interment will be private in Easton Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Contributions in his memory may be made to Arden Courts of Old Orchard, 4098 Freemansburg Ave., Easton, PA 18045. 

Lorraine E. Frick, 86, a resident of Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, formerly of Forks Twp., PA died Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born May 29, 1934 in Easton, PA she was a daughter of the late Hilda (Uhler) and Stewart Hunter, Sr. She had been employed by Acme and Bushkill Park before devoting her time to her five children. She also answered the phones for the Forks Twp. Police in the Dept.’s early years, supporting her husband, the late Wayne Frick, Sr. who was one of the founders of the police dept. Lorraine loved summers spent with her family in Beach Haven, NJ, macramé, cross stitch and her flowers.

She is survived by her children: Michelle Frick Mazzie of Forks Twp., Denise Frick of Doylestown, PA, Karen J. Ostrander of Forks Twp., Wayne Frick, Jr. of Palmer Twp., PA, , Leslie Frick Rollo of Little Egg Harbor, NJ; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband: Wayne; brothers: Stewart and Richard Hunter; and sister: LaRue Bruneio.

A graveside service will be held 1 PM Saturday (July 18) at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Forks Twp. Police Assoc., 1606 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Joseph J. Yiaski, Jr., 90, of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Saturday, July 11, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Bethlehem Twp. Born February 7, 1930 in Phoenixville, PA he was a son of the late Joseph Yiaski, Sr. and Mary (Dagenhardt) Yiaski DeNero. He owned and operated Yiaski and Sons Electrical Contractors for many years before retiring. He was also an electrical inspector and, in retirement, a school bus driver for the Bethlehem School District. Joe was a past-president of the Bethlehem Twp. Lions Club and an avid hunter. He enjoyed time at his cabin in Susquehanna County and his yearly hunting trips out west with his wife, Doris.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years: Doris (Astle) Yiaski; 4 children: Joseph Yiaski, III of Center Valley, PA, Elaine Pittack, of Bethlehem Twp., Robert Yiaski of South Whitehall Twp., PA, Linda Cawley of Stockertown, PA; sister: Helen Kamertz of Brooklyn, NY; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services are 10:30 AM Saturday (July 18) at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Timothy George Hare, 73, passed from this life on July 4th, 2020 after a long struggle with cancer.

Born June 12, 1947 in Harrisburg, PA, he was the son of the late Eva (Starner) Hare and Frank Hare.

Tim was “larger than life” in many ways. Known in Easton for his signature white glasses, gift for lively conversation, magnetic smile and elegance, he will be sorely missed.

Having lived and worked around the world as a registered architect he came to especially love Easton and worked in 1976 to stop the destructive ‘urban removal’ plans slated to demolish much of the historic downtown.

Tim also published books of his fine pen and ink drawings of historic architecture. He last served as an Architectural Consultant with the Division of School Facilities in the PA Department of Education for over 11 years until retiring in 2009.

Over their 44 years together he and his husband, Earl D. Ball, participated in most Gay Pride marches since 1977 in NYC and elsewhere, pressing for LBGT rights and marriage equality, with numerous interviews. Finally they were legally married in Toronto, Canada in 2003.

He is survived by his husband Earl D. Ball and brothers John and Frank Hare.

At his request there will be no services though donations can be made to Lambda Legal, www.lambdalegal.org.

The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

H. Robert Daws, 94, of Palmer Township, died Friday, July 3, 2020 in Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth.

Born June 1, 1926 in Wilson Borough, he was a son of the late Herbert William and Culah Catherine (Stofflet) Daws. His wife, Alma Grace (Dietrich) Daws died in 2012.

A graduate of Wilson High School and Rider College, he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He owned Daws Associates, a custom builder in Palmer Twp., for 50 years. He was also active in Palmer Township government, serving in various capacities including Chairmen of the Board of Supervisors, Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission member and Fire Commissioner. Bob was a member of Palmer Moravian Church where he served as a Trustee, Elder and Sacristan. He was also very active in the community including: Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township and Kiwanis Club of Easton; the Executive Board, American Legion Post #9; founding member Palmer Historical Society; Charter Member Business, Industrial and Professional Assoc. (BIP); board member Two Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce; Past President Republican Club of Palmer; Charter member and VP Bushkill Stream Conservancy; Board Member American Lung Association of LV; and Board Member Moravian Hall Square Historic District. He was the recipient of numerous local, state, and national awards during his lifetime.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Alma and his sister, Catherine Baylog.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, PA 18045 or Kiwanis Foundation of Palmer Township, P.O. Box 3165, Palmer, PA 18043.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.