Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Genevieve Shelson
Genevieve Shelson, 94, of Phillipsburg, NJ passed away on Wednesday February 16, 2011 at the Care Center of Brakeley in Lopatcong Twp., NJ. Born: In Phillipsburg on October 29, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Manfredo and Rosina LaBue Piazza. Personal: Her husband Theodore C. Shelson, passed away in 1957. She retired after 15 years from Ingersoll-Rand, formerly in Phillipsburg. She attended the Phillipsburg Schools. Memberships: Ss. Philip and James Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters Court Warren, several social organizations in the local area. Survivors: surviving is her son, Theodore F. Shelson and his wife Charlotte of Lopatcong Twp., NJ; her sister, Rose Gambello of Phillipsburg; grandchildren are Theodore M. Shelson,Mark David Shelson and Jill Renee Shelson; great-grandchildren are Sarah Margaret Shelson and Owen Theodore Shelson. Mrs. Shelson was predeceased by her son Ronald J. Shelson in 1990 and by six sisters and three brothers. Services: Funeral services will begin on Monday Feb. 21, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, NJ followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Ss. Philip & James Catholic Church, 430 S. Main St., Phillipsburg, NJ. Entombment will be in Holy Apostles Mausoleum in Greenwich Twp., NJ. Viewing hours will be held on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital StJude.org.
Robert C. Laudenslager
Robert C. Laudenslager, 90, of Gracedale, Nazareth, Pa., passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Gracedale. Born: On June 2, 1920 in Allentown, Pa., he was a son of the late Wilson A. Laudenslager Sr. and the late Carrie Fravel Laudenslager. Personal: His wife, the former Olive Savacool died in 1988. Robert was a US Army veteran serving in Europe during World War II. He was employed for many years by Mack Truck. Memberships: He was a member of the United Church of Christ. Survivors: Survivng is hissister,Doris J. Symons and her husband Richard of Bethlehem; brothers, James H. Laudenslager and his wife Anna of Forks Twp., and Richard J. Laudenslager and his wife Marilyn of Berlin, NJ.; Nieces and Nephews also survive. Preceding him in death, his sister May Hacker and brothers William C. Laudenslager and Wilson Laudenslager Jr. Services: Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the Finegan Funeral Home, 1837 Washington Blvd, Easton, Pa. Viewing hours will be on Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Entombment will be in Gainesville, Florida at a later time. Memorials: In lieu of flowers please make donations to the VNA Hospice House at St. Lukes, 2455 Black River Rd., Bethlehem, Pa. 18015.
Louise A. Chiotes
Louise A. Chiotes, 89, formerly of Easton died Monday, December 27, 2010 in Texas. Born: September 2, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Leo and Margaret Hune Kranz. Personal: Her husband, George Chiotes, died in 2008. She was a graduate of St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing, Mary Manse College, Toledo, OH, Universite' de Caen-Normandie, France and University of Toledo. She had a 30 year career in nursing and health care administration most recently as Director of Nurses for the Greater New York Blood Program. Prior to that she worked for the National Health Services, New York Telephone Co. and was Supervisor of Surgical Specialties for the Veterans Administration in New York City. Louise and her husband George were avid world travelers. Memberships: She was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Easton. Survivors: Her brother, Eugene Kranz of Dickinson, TX and nieces and nephews. Her sister, Helen Kittle died earlier. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Call from 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday in the funeral home. Inurnment in Easton Cemetery.
Madeline Mary Bencsetz Fahringer
Madeline Mary Bencsetz Fahringer, 90, passed away on January 6, 2011, at Warren Haven, Oxford, NJ. Born: on August 7, 1920, in Alpha, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Gyurkovics Bencsetz. Personal: Madeline treasured her Austro-Hungarian heritage and her memories of growing up in Alpha. Despite Alzheimer's Disease, she recalled Alpha and her dear parents vividly. She married her beloved soul mate, Elwood Fahringer, on July 11, 1946, in a double wedding with her sister Olga and John Moll. Madeline's love of Elwood remained to the end. She lived all her life in Warren and Hunterdon Counties, NJ, 47 of those years in Harmony Twsp., NJ. Madeline graduated Phillipsburg High School in 1938 and Paine Hall School, NYC, and was medical assistant to Dr. Raymond Wing from 1940 to 1947 in his Easton, PA, practice. With becoming a mother, she was a stay-at-home mom, and, after raising her four children, she was nanny to sixteen other babies and children for working mothers. Affectionately called "Putyi" or "Put" by family, she also bore the nickname "Red" in her youth for her red hair.That red hair complemented her lively spirit, that she spoke her mind, but softly, that she laughed freely and often and was a strong champion for her causes or beliefs. Providing a loving, comfortable home for her husband and family was paramount to Madeline.She enjoyed decorating, sewing, embroidery and crafts.She especially loved to welcome family and friends to visit her home. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother to her children and a loving "Gram" to her grand and great-grandchildren..babies and small children her passion.Madeline was a teacher of love and patience and held dearly the values of family and friendship as a strong matriarch, a woman of insight, a lady. Memberships: Madeline was a past member of Alpha, Bloomsbury and Harmony Presbyterian Churches and recently a member of First Oxford Presbyterian Church of Hazen.She was a very active member of church committees and served as deacon and elder at the Harmony church. Civically, she served for 12 years on the zoning Board in Harmony, NJ, highlighted by work on the Merrill Creek Dam project.She also was a past Girl Scout leader in Alpha and in Bloomsbury. Survivors: She is survived by three daughters, Lynn Lockard of Pohatcong Twsp., NJ, Jane Przybylkiewicz of Saylorsburg, PA, Nancy Fearnhead of Ocean City, NJ, and their respective husbands, Richard, Henrik and Anthony; a son, Glenn and his wife Lisa of Cave Creek, AZ; eleven grandchildren, Michael, Keith, Kristen, Kevin, Daniel, Anthony, Coral, Gwyneth, Justin, Lucas and Ian; eleven great-grandchildren, Destinee, BreAnna, Andrew, Haylee, Colton, Olivia, Kinsey, Ty, Logan, Ian and Ayden; two sisters, Olga Moll and Josephine Hanlon; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased in 2008 by her husband Elwood, and by her sisters Blanche Wilson and Leona Bencsetz. Services: Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 22, 2011, (snow date Jan.23) at 2 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church of Alpha. High St., Alpha, NJ, 08865.The Finegan Funeral Home, Phillipsburg, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to , 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or to a charity of one's choice.
Ruth K. Bisher
Ruth K.Bisher, 89, of Upper Mt. Bethel Twp., PA, passed away Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at Slate Belt Nursing and Rehab. Center, Washington Twp., PA. Born: January 1, 1922, in Lehighton, PA, the daughter of the late Garfield and Blanche Snyder King. Personal: She was the widow of Herbert F. Bisher, Jr., who died in 1999. She was employed as the Tax Collector for Upper Mt. Bethel Twp. PA, until retiring in 1987. Ruth was a 1939 graduate of Lehighton High School, and was the 1939 Queen of the Lehighton Fair. Memberships: She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the "Village of Johnsonville", Bangor, PA. She was also a member of the Democratic Women's Club in Bangor, and a member of the Blue Valley Garden Club. Survivors: Ruth is survived by four sons, Dale, Bruce, Alan, and Wayne Bisher all of Bangor, PA; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by a daughter Barbara Jean Klingle. Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2011 in the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2397 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor, PA.Call Monday 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the church. Burial will be in East Bangor Cemetery, East Bangor, PA. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Reed/Gaffney Funeral Home, "Village of Johnsonville", Bangor, PA. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2397 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor, PA 18013.
Joyce Marie Rader
Joyce Marie Rader, 76, passed away peacefully at home on January 6th, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. Born: in Knowlton Twp., she was a daughter of E. Cline and Helen Gibbs Allen. Personal: Joyce and David M. Rader were married for 58 wonderful years, residing in White Twp. She was retired from the surrogate office at the Warren County Court House. A faithful follower of Jesus, Joyce put her love in action wherever she could serve others: volunteering at the Warren County and Easton Nursing Homes for many years, and previously sharing her love with her church family as a deaconess, teen youth leader, nursery attendant, and throughout her lifetime by reaching out to any in need of a friend. Joyce was a joyful woman full of life, courage and conviction, and will be best remembered for her encouraging words and kind heart. Survivors: In addition to her devoted husband David; two children, Joy Rader Seeberger and her husband Nicholas of Long Island, and David Allen Rader and his wife Laura of White Twp.; two sisters, Ruth Denhart of Englewood, FL and Kathlyn More of Harmony; two brothers, Ralph Allen of Columbus, OH and Donald Allen of Stewartsville; four grandchildren, Brent, James, and Blake Rader and Kirsten Joy Seeberger. Services: Friends and family may gather to pay their respects at Washington Assembly of God Church, 33 Brass Castle Road, Washington, NJ, at 4 p.m. Sunday followed by a 5 p.m. Memorial Service. Arrangements were by the MacFadden Funeral Home, 325 Hardwick St. Belvidere.
Martin "Matry" Counterman
Martin "Matry" Counterman, 61, of Mt. Bethel, PA passed away on Friday, January 7, 2011. Born: on April 19, 1949 in Stroudsburg. Martin is a son of the late William H. Counterman and the former Elsie F. LaBar. Personal: Marty was an Arborist for 45 years, most recently employed by Tree Smiths Service, and had worked for Asplundh Tree Service and Independent Tree Service. He was an avid Outdoorsman; his passion was hunting, fishing, family and friends. Memberships: He was the proud founder and president of the "Million Dollar Huntin" Club, Mt. Bethel Survivors: Surviving are his wife Birdie Counterman of Mt. Bethel; daughters, Delores Lori Schuttert of Kunkletown, Connie Davidson and her husband Steve of Effort, Julie Counterman of Snyderville, Denise Horn and her husband Roby of Mt. Bethel; and a son, David Doll and his wife Cheryl of Bethlehem; sisters, Viola McCammon of East Bangor and Sally Boyer of Wind Gap; and brother, Carl L. Counterman of Broadheadsville; six grandchildren, Casandra R. Zito Alycia Capone, Robert Schuttert, Danielle and Dalton Davidson and Kaitlyn Doll. Martin was preceded in death by sister, Janet Crawn, and brothers, Clarence M. and Paul Counterman. Services: There will be a visitation at Lanterman and Allen Funeral Home, 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2 to 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the Lanterman and Allen Funeral Home, Inc. East Stroudsburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, Inc.
Mary Ellen Jennings
Mary Ellen Jennings, 77, of Easton, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011 in Easton Hospital. Born: May 15, 1933 in Nanticoke, PA, she was a daughter of the late William R. and Edith Mochamer Thomas. Personal: Mary Ellen last worked at Woolworth's, Phillipsburg, NJ. Prior to that, she worked for McCory's in the Westgate Mall and Easton High School in the satellite cafeteria. She was a 1951 graduate of Easton High School. Mary Ellen enjoyed playing shuffleboard. Memberships: Mary Ellen was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the bell choir, prayer group and United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Rice Ebner American Legion Auxiliary Unit #588, Young Democratic Club where she played shuffleboard and the Franklin Hose. Survivors a son, John W. and his wife Wendy, of Deltona, FL; a daughter, Carol Andrew and her husband Gerald, of Easton; a sister, Joyce Carol Fritts, of Easton; four grandchildren, Jerry Andrew and his wife Erin, Dennis Andrew, Jan and John Jennings; and five great-grandchildren, Alex Zeigafuse, Malachi Race, Samara Andrew, Mason and Madilynn Andrew. A sister, Ruth Ann Thomas, died earlier. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 602 W. Berwick St., Easton. Call Tuesday 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Hay's Cemetery.
Nettie L. Sisonick
Nettie L. Sisonick, 95, of Phillipsburg, NJ, formerly of Pohatcong Township, NJ, passed away January 6, 2011 in Lopatcong Care Center, Lopatcong Township, NJ. Born: May 14, 1915 in Broadheadsville, PA, she was a daughter of the late James and Minnie Warner Serfass. Personal: She was predeceased by her husband Nicholas Sisonick, who passed away in 1998. Nettie was a homemaker for most of her life. She enjoyed cooking and baking. Memberships: She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church for many years. Survivors: She is survived by a trusted friend, Rella Sisonick-Daniels of Hellertown, PA; and many nieces and nephews. Nettie was predeceased by three brothers, Peter, Allen and Raymond Serfass; and three sisters, Gladys Clugston, Mary Sobers and Sally Heller. Services: A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. in the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St., Phillipsburg, NJ. A calling hour will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. in the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery, Phillipsburg, NJ. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nettie's name to St. James Lutheran Church, 1213 Highway 22, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865. Fineganfh.com.
Jack F. March Sr.
Jack F. March Sr., 72, of Danielsville, passed away December 28, 2010 at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, Muhlenberg campus. Born: in Louisville, Kentucky he was a son of the late Jesse Jr. & Margueret Vittitoe March. Personal: He was the husband of Joanne Henthorn March, they celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary this past August. Jack served in the Navy Submarine Force aboard the USS RAY (SSR-271) and USS REDFIN (SSR-272) and also in the Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 21, SeaBees in Allentown, PA. Memberships: He was a member of the First Families of Tennessee, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, a Holland Club and Life member of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., an Associate Member of United States Submarine Veterans of WWII and a Life member of the United Steel Workers of America. Survivors: wife; sons, Jack Jr. and wife Shelia March of Elko, NV, Patrick March of Birmingham, AL, Timothy and wife Sharon March of Broomfield, CO; daughters, Colleen wife of Artemio Chavez of Phillipsburg, NJ, Kathleen and husband Ray Sheibe of Callahan, FL, Jessica and husband Jason Smith of Danielsville; sister, Barbara March of Louisville, KY; step-sons, Gary Helm of Bath, David Helm of Northampton, Ronald Helm of Easton; 15 grandchildren. Jack was predeceased by a brother, Jesse March III and a sister, Ruth Silver. Services: Friday, December 31, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Harding Funeral Home, 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington. Calling, 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Slatedale Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions to the , 3893 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Kenneth A. Ott
Kenneth A. Ott Kenneth A. Ott, 84, of Raubsville, who passed away on Sunday in Old Orchard Health Care Center, Bethlehem Township, PA, is also survived by a sister, Clara Brixius.
Lorraine R. Miller
Lorraine R Miller, 88, of White Township, NJ, died in Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, NJ, on December 25, 2010. Born: in Tannersville, PA, she was a daughter of the late Arlington and Martha Bond Fish Sr. Personal: Mrs. Miller was a homemaker. Survivors: She is survived by three daughters, Joyce Farber and her husband, Ron, of Columbia, NJ, Patricia McCain of Washington, NJ, Elizabeth (Betty) Rowe and her husband, Paul,, of Flowery Branch, GA; one son, Harold Miller Jr. and his wife, Sue, of Hope, NJ; two beloved granddaughters, Naomi Ingenito and Kendra Johnson; thirteen other grandchildren; twenty one great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one brother, Arlington Fish, Jr, of Kunkletown, PA. She was predeceased, in 1963, by her husband, Harold P Miller Sr, a daughter, Donna Longyhore, a son, Frederick Fish Miller, three sisters and four brothers. Arrangements are under the direction of Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Rt 94, Blairstown, NJ.
Robert C. McGiffert
Robert C. McGiffert, 88, a retired professor of journalism at the University of Montana, died in Missoula, MT, December 25 of pneumonia. Born: McGiffert was born in Elizabeth, NJ, a son of the late Julian E. and Eloise Howe McGiffert. Personal: His father was president of the old Dixie Cup Co., manufacturer of paper cups and containers. McGiffert taught in UM's School of Journalism from 1966 to 1994. He received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1982. Before coming to Missoula he worked for the former Easton Express, now The Express-Times, for 16 years as a reporter and city editor, and taught journalism for four years at Ohio State University in Columbus. After becoming a teacher he spent most of his summers with metropolitan newspapers, working as an editor at the Washington Post, the International Herald-Tribune and the Baltimore Evening Sun. He was a former writing and editing consultant to the American Dental Association and was the author of a textbook, "The Art of Editing the News." McGiffert was a graduate of Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., and Princeton University. He was an Army officer in World War II. Survivors: Surviving are his former wife, Jacquelyn Stout McGiffert of Missoula; a son and grandson, Brian McGiffert and Cameron McGiffert of San Jose, CA; a daughter and granddaughter, Sarah McGiffert and Madeleine Matthews of Austin, Tex. His brothers, James and John McGiffert, and his sisters, Sidney Watt and Barbara Lockwood, died before him. Services: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2011, at 2 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall at the University of Montana with a reception to follow at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown at the Park. Memorials: Should friends desire, memorial donations may be sent to the Robert McGiffert Excellence Award at the School of Journalism, 32 Campus Drive, University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812.
