Obituaries

David M. Shafferman died on April 21, 2020, at Gracedale Nursing Home, after an heroic journey with Type I Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19. He was 67.
Dave was born in Grafton, WV, to James F. and Katharine G. Shafferman. His family moved to Owensboro, KY, in 1964, where at the age of 13 he met the love of his life, Jean Anne. They married in 1972 while still in college. Dave earned an architecture degree from the University of Kentucky, and in 1982, he and Jean Anne moved their family to Easton, PA. Dave and his business partner Fred Bonsall established Bonsall Shafferman Architects and Space Planners, a successful practice in Bethlehem, PA. Upon retirement, Dave was awarded emeritus status by the American Institute of Architects.
Dave loved sports and was second baseman on the Owensboro High School 1969 Kentucky state championship baseball team. For his 60th birthday, his son, daughter and son-in-law hosted a party in his honor in a suite at Coca Cola Park, where Dave threw the first pitch at the Iron Pigs minor league baseball game.
An avid journaler since 1979, Dave compiled annual chronicles of family and professional life in cloth-bound AIA journals. He included ongoing written commentary, school photos of his children, color sketches of family vacations, pen-and-ink drawings of cathedral concerts and scenic vistas while traveling with Jean Anne on Bach Choir tours abroad, cartoons and humorous newspaper clippings, the date and sketch of the first forsythia bloom and the first significant snowfall, and his annual theme-based Christmas newsletters, which he prepared throughout the year. One friend reported saving all of these letters and re-reading them every New Year’s Day while sipping a nice glass of wine. These journals are a treasure beyond measure for his family.
Active as Trustee president, Sunday School teacher, usher, and more, Dave was a longtime member of College Hill Presbyterian Church, whose congregation mourns his passing. A date and time for his Celebration of Life at the church will be announced in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton, PA, 18042, attn: the Shafferman Memorial Fund.
Dave is survived by his wife, daughter Emilie C. Boggis (Gordon) and son Evan D. Shafferman (Brittany), and grandchildren Lucy, Alice, Bennett, and Caleb; by his mother, his brothers Rick Shafferman (Martha) and Brian Shafferman (Nancy), and sister Laurel Durham (Pat); his sisters-in-law, Peggy Hayden (Hal), Marilee Van Arsdale (Lee), and Emilie Heesen (Peter); numerous first- and second-generation nieces and nephews; and many close friends, including his lifelong best friends, David Dukes and Charley Jolly.
Charley described Dave as a man of “humor and decency, along with good looks, intelligence, affability, athleticism, a winning smile, and ease with people.” One of his caregivers described him as “the kindest person I’ve ever met.” The great pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said, “If you love life, life will love you back.” Dave was extremely well-loved.
Dave’s family wishes to express its deepest appreciation to Dave’s longtime physicians, Dr. Robert Doll and Dr. Erika Lahav, and to St. Luke’s Hospice. They especially thank Cathy Abreu of Navita Health Advocates and the entire staff of Tower 3 at Gracedale Nursing Home, who have been a loving second family for 19 months to Dave and his family and have provided him with the very best skilled care.
The Ashton Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements. Offer an online written condolence at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com or record “A Virtual Hug” at 641-715-3900, extension 809346.

James W. Landis, 57, of Krocksville, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Easton Hospital due to complications from COVID-19. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Willard and Edna (Lamm) Landis. Jim was a graduate of Parkland High School, and was a regular at PHS football games for many years after his graduation. He was previously employed as caretaker for Resurrection Cemetery, Krocksville. Jim’s loves included his truck, Dorney Park, Disneyworld, model trains, and especially California cheesburgers. Having a special connection with his niece Emily, he expertly taught her to drive. He was a member of the Krocksville Union Sunday School.

Jim is survived by his sister Jane Landis and her husband Dr. Andrew Bausch of Allentown, niece Emily McGovern and her husband Matthew of Swedesboro, NJ, along with grand-nieces Emma and Samantha McGovern.

Services are private due to COVID-19. Arrangements by Ashton Funeral Home, Easton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to LDA of PA, Pittsburgh or Peaceable Kingdom, Whitehall. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Frederick J. Abrams, 78 formerly of Easton, PA died Saturday, April 19, 2020 at Saucon Valley Manor in Hellertown, PA. Born August 5, 1941 in Easton he was the son of the late Ebner and Pearl (Achenbach) Abrams. He owned and operated Union Fuel in Easton for many years before retiring. He served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and had been a Mason and member of the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club and Pomfret Club. Fred was a member of Temple Covenant of Peace, Easton. He is survived by his daughter Caranne Abrams of Bangor, PA and sons: Andrew and Bradley. A sister Amelia died earlier.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Temple Covenant of Peace, 1451 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Margaret L. McGaughey, 74 of Forks Twp., PA died Friday, April 10, 2020 at home with her nephew Michael at her side. Born October 29, 1945 in Athens, GA she was the daughter of the late George and Margaret (Gibbons) McGaughey. She graduated from Easton High School in 1963 and was a nurse at Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital, Hunterdon Developmental Center and various hospitals in Florida.

She is survived by her twin brother George McGaughey (wife Sarah) of Cleveland, OH and twin nephews, Michael and Scott McGaughey. Her husband Joseph Grainda, Jr. and brother James McGaughey died earlier.

Services are private; the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Frederick Walliser. Jr., a resident of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in his home with his loving family by his side on Friday, April 10, 2020. Born February 25, 1936, he was a son of the late Philomena (Hettel) and Frederick Walliser, Sr. He was the husband to the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” (Hendershot) Walliser for 46 years.

Frederick graduated from Wilson Area High School in 1953. He joined the Navy in 1954 and was an Electrician’s Mate 1st Class aboard the USS Fort Marion LSD-22 during the Korean War. He was also an atomic bomb sailor. Fred was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1958.

Fred owned and operated Fred Walliser Electrical Contractor for 46 years. He sang with the Lehigh Saengerbund for 24 years. He was a member of the Easton-Phillipsburg Electric League and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Nazareth where he sang in the choir and served on the property committee and stewardship committee.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; a son Bob “Whitey” Gilds; a daughter, Tammy Zerfass and her husband, David; a granddaughter, Briana; and three sisters, Louise Marvin, Elizabeth Bergstresser and Norma VonFricken.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service with military honors will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Nazareth. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 S. Broad St., Nazareth, PA 18064.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com or record a message of sympathy by calling A Virtual Hug at 641-715-3900, extension 100122.

Dolores M. Gabour, 86, of Forks Twp., PA died Thursday, April 9, 2020 at ManorCare Easton, PA. Born December 15, 1933 in Easton she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Anna (Kowalski) Ricca. A 1951 graduate of Easton High School, she received her RN from the University of PA School of Nursing in 1954 (Class of the June Bugs). She was the nurse for Dr. Raymond Wing for many years and Dr. Anne Adolf at the end of her career. She was of the Catholic faith.

She is survived by her children: Jane Buckman of Bensalem, PA, John Gabour of Palmer Twp., Anne Goldstein and Mary Maida of Forks Twp., PA; a sister: Barbara Santangelo of Springfield, VA; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Richard M. Gabour in 1995 and her sister Mary Catherine Trinchere in 2011.

Services are private due to the coronavirus guidelines; the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Please offer online condolences for the family at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.