Robert J. Butcher, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, to the late Andrew and Mary (Halko) Butcher, Bob’s life took an interesting turn after high school when he served in the Navy Reserves for six dedicated years.
Bob was a true Renaissance man, excelling in various fields throughout his career. He spent many years as a skilled machinist at RCA before embarking on a series of diverse occupations. His final role was as a security officer at Princeton University, where he retired at the age of 70.
A devout Catholic, Bob dedicated the last 30+ years of his life to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. There, he purchased a house with a magnificent swimming pool, which became a cherished gathering place for his friends and family during the summer months.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was also an avid photographer, an enthusiast of classic cars, particularly his beloved 1972 Pontiac, affectionately named “Yellowbird.” These passions were complemented by his numerous summer trips to the ocean with his soulmate, Barbara Thornton.
Bob’s witty nature and infectious laughter will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. He is survived by his younger brother, Andrew Butcher, and their nephews, David Shott, Brian Shott, Kenneth Shott, Russel Onderko, and Richard Onderko. He is also survived by his nieces, Rosalynne Letcavage and Christine Pribish, and his stepdaughters, Lynn Anne Szczeck (Robert), Susan Eaton (Sean), and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert is also predeceased by his lifelong companion, Barbara M. Thornton, his sisters, Eleanor Shott and Rose Onderko.
A viewing will be held on Monday, February 3rd, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, located at 730 W Broad St in Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30AM. The burial will take place at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in McAdoo.
Downing Funeral Home, Inc. in Bethlehem, PA, is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Robert’s memory in support of the Morrisville Senior Center, located at 31E Cleveland Avenue in Morrisville, PA 19067.

Jill R. (Yarney) Boddie, 85, of Bethlehem passed away November 15, 2024. She was the loving wife of 55 years to the late Gavin L. Boddie. Born in Eastleigh, England she was the daughter of the late Albert and Dorothy (McGaw) Yarney. Jill worked as a bookkeeper and in insurance for many years until her retirement. She had been a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed doing needlework, crocheting, sewing and knitting. Most of all, Jill loved reminiscing and telling stories of her life growing up in England. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Howard Boddie and his wife Cyndee, Simon Boddie and his wife Anne; 4 grandchildren; sister- Yvonne Dewire. She was predeceased by her sister- Valerie Terrell.
A memorial will be held November 24, 2024. Contact Downing Funeral Home for more information.

Dudley Berta, 83, of Allentown, passed away November 7, 2024. He was the loving husband of Loretta (Adam) Berta. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late John A. and Alma T. (Wolf) Berta. Dudley worked in electrical maintenance for many years, retiring from Coca-Cola. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: wife- Loretta Berta; sons- Dale Berta and wife Penny, Daniel Berta and wife Christine, Drew Berta and wife Lorie, Dennis Berta and wife Brandy; step-son- Jason Adam and wife Ella; 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his half-brother- John Berta.
Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Frances (Cinquemani) Bauerlein, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away February 8, 2024. She was the loving wife of 57 years to Albert P. Bauerlein. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Marie (Arcuri) Cinquemani. She had worked for the Home Insurance Company in Manhattan. Fran was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and was a lifelong volunteer with the Mother’s Guild at her children’s grammar school, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and at Holy Family Manor. She enjoyed participating in activities at the Hanover Twp. Community Center Fran liked to bake, go shopping for “odds and ends” that she would buy for her family because she was always thinking of them, do crafts, and most of all spend time with her family. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband - Albert P. Bauerlein; children - Lynn Orrico and husband Russ, Jeff Bauerlein and wife Kristy, Jill Boland and husband Justin; grandchildren - Jacob, Emily, Hannah, Sarah; twin sister - Phyllis Stout; brother - Paul Cinquemani.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 17th 9-10AM with a Service at 10AM, all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Contributions can be made in Fran’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation P.O. Box 414238 Boston, MA 02241-4238.

Mary (Dudash) Beaver, 90, of Nazareth, passed away January 19, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Edward Millard Beaver. Born in Schoentown, Pa., she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Wargo) Dudash. Mary worked for Bell Atlantic and then retired from Western Electric. She was a member of the former Church of the Manger in Bethlehem and most recently a member of St. Thomas United Church of Christ. Mary enjoyed playing Bingo, doing crafts, going to the casino, playing with the grandchildren, watching the birds and taking care of plants and flowers. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and AARP of Northampton. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Kenneth E. Beaver and wife Frances, Diane Kresh and husband Thomas; grandchildren- April, Christine, Jessica, Nicole and Tommy; great grandchildren- Greyson, Jayden, Kyleigh and Braxton; brother- Alex Dudash; sister- Nellie Faust and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings- Bertha Ptaszkowski, Phillip Dudash, Theresa Kistler and Anna Burnham.
A Service will be held Friday, Januray 26th at 11:00AM in the Mausoleum in Cedar Hill Memorial Park 1700 Airport Rd. Allentown, PA 18109.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mary’s name to www.ALivingTribute.com to have a tree planted in her memory.

Joseph L. Bauer, 69, of Bethlehem, passed away April 3, 2023. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Leonard and Pauline (Brauchle) Bauer. Joseph graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School and retired as a quality inspector at Lehigh Valley Plastics. He loved spending time with his young grandchildren and making the earliest tee time at the golf course.

Survivors: Son - Jonathan Bauer (Lauren), 3 grandchildren, sister - Barbara Bruni (David), brother - Tony Bauer (Susan), and nieces and nephews.

A calling time will be held Saturday April 15th 10-11AM with a Memorial Service to follow at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Gary L. Briggs, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away January 13, 2023. He was the loving husband of 51 years to Mary Ann (Brancadora) Briggs. Born in Fountain Hill, he was the son of the late William and Arlene (Erb) Briggs. Gary graduated from Liberty High School in 1963 and attended Northampton County Community College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Gary was hard working and retired as Assistant Chief of the Bethlehem Fire Dept. after 27 years of service while also working for 20 years at Miller Keystone Blood Center as a Mobile Unit Attendant. Gary was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. He was an Eagle Scout, a dedicated blood donor, a well respected friend and mentor and a loving family man. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: wife- Mary Ann Briggs; daughters- Christina Marie Schiffer, Lisa Marie Briggs and wife Lori Gross, Teresa Rose Hughes and husband Ernest Hughes Jr.; grandchildren- Jared, Jason, Olivia, Elaina and Ernie III.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 18th 6-8PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. A viewing will be held in church on Thursday, January 19th 9:30-10:30 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Miller Keystone Blood Center or Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Gavin Lionel Boddie, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away November 25, 2022. He was the loving husband of 55 years to Jill (Yarney) Boddie. Born in Portsmouth, England, he was the son of the late Sidney and Dorothy (Dymock) Boddie. At the University level, Gavin studied chemistry, and later electronics, earning his certification from the Institute of Electrical and Radio Engineers in 1973. While still in the UK, Gavin worked for British Aircraft Corp and was then recruited by Texas Instruments, resulting in his relocation to the DFW area in Texas in 1979. After 11 years in Texas, Gavin relocated to the Lehigh Valley. He worked as an electrical engineer for Bell & Howell and Polymer Dynamics prior to retiring in 2007. Gavin was a quiet, thoughtful man who thoroughly enjoyed gardening and was very dedicated to his family. He will be deeply missed. Aside from his wife Jill, he is survived by sons- Howard and his wife Cyndee; Simon and his wife Anne; and 4 grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for 11:00 am to 1:00pm on Saturday December 10, 2022 at Downing Funeral Home, 1002 West Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Lukes Hospice 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.