Obituaries

John S. Polak, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 15th. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen. They were married 62 years. Born in Nizny Hrabovec, Slovakia, on July 7th, 1927, he came to the US at the age of two and was raised in Coaldale PA by his parents the late Stephen Polak and Anna (Vargovich) Polak. He graduated from Coaldale High School in 1945 and joined the Navy, serving aboard the USS Boxer, USS Princeton and several other ships during a

Angeliki Manesis, 89 of Bethlehem passed away on November 13, 2023. She was the wife of Dimitrios “Jimmy” Manesis for 65 years until his passing on August 19, 2017. Angeliki was born in Othoni, Corfu, Greece on January 1, 1934 daughter of the late Nicholas and Vasiliki Malitsis. She was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem. Survivors: Sons Nicholas, husband of Doris and Aristidis, husband of Isabella all of Riegelsville; five grandchildren Gin

Edward Francis Kline, born on December 16, 1942 in New Castle, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 9th. He is survived by his wife Catherine Clifford Kline, sons Edward Kline and Brian Kline (wife Kristen), and his beloved grandchildren Charles Kline and Sophia Kline. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Kline (wife Lynn), sister, Mary Ann Kline and niece, Elizabeth. Ed graduated from Villanova University and started his career as a sales re

Surmaliz Valentin Ramos, 40 of Hellertown passed away on November 8, 2023. Surmaliz was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on June 28, 1983 daughter of Surma Ramos and Luis Valentin. She was Christian. Survivors: Mother Surma, father Luis, daughter Annaliz Marie Pons Valentin, son Denniz Noel Andino, sisters Sueamy Acosta, Stephanie Valentin and brother Luis Valentin. Viewing and Service: Wednesday November 15, 2023, from 6PM to 8 PM followed by the service at 8PM all at the Her

Van J. Filipos, 83, of Bethlehem passed away on November 5, 2023. Born March 18, 1940, to the late John and Mary (Bournias) Filipos, Van attended Liberty High School and Lehigh University and remained an involved alumnus at both institutions. He began his accounting career with an adding machine and assistant, and eventually formed a long-standing partnership that became Filipos, McDonald, Abbott & Co, now a part of Buckno Lisicky & Company where Van continued to work until h

Ronald S. Washburn, 68 of Allentown passed away at his home on October 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Rosemary (Ernst) Washburn, they married 49 years on May 3rd. Ronald was born in Easton on September 9, 1955 son of Joyce (Frey) Washburn and the late Donald Washburn. He was a Sweep Officer for the City of Allentown retiring after many years. Prior to that he was a crane operator at the Bethlehem Steel Company. He was of the Protestant faith

Daniel D. Finch, 67 of Bethlehem. Passed away on October 22, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg surrounded by his loving family. Daniel was the Husband of Althea (Harding) Finch for over 44 years. Daniel was born in Fort Monmouth NJ, on February 28, 1956 son of Lawrence D. and Barbara (Wagner) Finch. Dan was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He would have done anything for anyone especially his family. His sense of humor couldn’t be matched; no ma

Mary G. Moser, aka Mandy Gallagher, 74 of Allentown passed away on October 14, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital-Allentown Campus. Mandy was born in Allentown on December 14, 1948, daughter of the late Edward and Monica (King) Gallagher. Mandy worked at Qualex for many years as a film processor, before retiring. She lived for her family and had unconditional love for her children and her grandchildren. Mandy loved to sing, and was in various bands in her younger years. She enjoy

Randy C. Plessor, 59 of Allentown passed away on October 2, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was the husband of the Cynthia (Collilouri) Plessor for 10 years until her passing on October 27, 2017. Randy was born in Allentown son of Garnet (Crandell Plessor of Allentown and the late Rudolph Otto Plessor. He was a master at IT, networking and computers. Survivors: Mother Garnet Plessor and a son Randy T. Plessor both of Allentown. Graveside Service: Thursday

William E. Ballek, Jr. 64 of Bethlehem passed away on October 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Cindy Marie (Mahnken) Ballek, they were married 17 years on September 16th. Bill was born in Bethlehem on March 14, 1959 ,son of William E. Ballek, Sr. of Bethlehem and the late Mary (Evans) Ballek. He was a fork lift operator for DSC Logistics. Bill was a member of Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Eastern Salisbury. He was true outdoorsman who enjoyed gar

Willis L. “Stan” Wanamaker, 96 of Allentown passed away on September 28, 2023. Husband of Mae J. (Strohl) Wanamaker. Stan loved his wife Mae, they would have been married for 50 years in May of 2024. Willis was born in Allentown son of the late Leroy and Mildred (Hartline) Wanamaker He served in the US Navy during World War II. His family and friends adored him and have many fond memories, from teaching his nephew to fish, giving life advice, helping with home improvement pr

Jamie L. Peters, 73, of Bethlehem, passed away Friday, September 22nd at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the wife of Patrick M. Griffin. They were together for over 50 years. The hostess with the mostess, Jamie was beloved by all who knew her. She found beauty in all people and all things. Jamie was happiest making art, hosting parties, cooking for holidays, chatting with her customers, or cozying up in front of the TV with her family. Her effervescent spirit can be credited to

Christopher P. Schnabel, age 62, of Wescosville, passed away on September 15, 2023 in Lehigh Valley Hospice in Allentown. Born in Emmaus, he was a son of the late Earl and June (Soprano) Schnabel. He graduated from Dieruff High School in 1979. Chris was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He worked as a parts assembler for Mack Trucks components at Supply Technologies. Chris enjoyed being with family, fitness activities and the company of his beloved cats. He was

It is with heavy hearts and an abundance of love and light that we share that our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary (Mitsos Helios) Zissis passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023, after succumbing to heart disease. Mary was born on April 7, 1944, in Thebes, Greece, to her late parents Demetrios and Arhontia (Pantagis) Mitsos Helios. Mary was the cherished wife of George Zissis, of whom she was married to for 58 fulfilling, beautiful years. She was also the lovi

Jose Antonio “Toñito” Pena, Sr., 79 of Bethlehem passed away at home on September 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Milagros (Burgos) Pena, they were married 55 years on June 21st. Toñito was born in Patillas, Puerto Rico on February 22, 1944, son of the late Fermin and Basilia (Rivera) Pena. He was a furniture maker and worked as a custodian at Lehigh University. He was a faithful member of Holy Infancy RCC of Bethlehem. Survivors: Wife Mil

Deborah Reed, 65, of Allentown, passed away peacefully at home, on September 12, 2023. Deborah was born in Hollis, Queens, New York on March 24, 1958. She was the daughter of the late Edward R. and Gloria A. (Scott) Reed. Deborah was a dedicated employee of Lehigh Valley Hospital for 24 years. While she held many roles, she spent the last 12 years as a Clinical Research Coordinator for Pediatric Oncology. Survivors: Daughter Nicole Perham wife of Amanda, son Christopher Muro

Andrew “Andy” Lipko, Jr., 53 of Gloucester Point, Virginia died at his home on Monday, September 11, 2023. Andrew was born on November 8, 1969, in Allentown, Pennsylvania son of Elizabeth Ann (Yagojinski) and the late Andrew Lipko, Sr. He was a Master Sargant United States Air Force. After his military retirement, Andrew worked for Acquisition Management and Integration Center (AMIC) until his death. Andrew is survived by his mother Elizabeth Ann Lipko of Coplay, PA, fi

Dolores Rachel Tubio Schiesser, age 88, passed away after a brief illness on Monday September 11, 2023. She was a Registered Nurse who always endeavored to help those who were less fortunate than her. Dolores was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on February 8, 1935, and was a lifelong resident of Lehigh County. She graduated from Parkland High School in 1952 and St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1955. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cedar Crest C

Fay Marjorie (Knaake) Horn, 96, of Allentown, passed away on August 30, 2023 at Luther Crest in Allentown. She was the widow of Laurence G. Horn who passed away on May 4, 2023. They would have been married 72 years on September 1st. Born September 15, 1926, at home in Nesquehoning, PA, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Victoria A. (Stahler) Knaake. Fay grew up in Allentown after moving from Nesquehoning as a toddler. She graduated from Allen High School in 1942

Alan E. Engler’s earthly journey peacefully ended on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Margie (Seng) Engler, they were married 53 years on April 18. Alan, fondly known as Al and affectionately known as Pap Pap, was 76 years old. Al was born on April 4, 1947 in Nanticoke, PA to Sophie (Dombrowski) and Forrest Engler. After leaving Liberty High School’s gridiron in 1966 he transitioned into a “cook in training” position at the Hot