It is with sadness we announce the death of Frederick “Fred” J. Gainer on January 30, 2025, at Novant Hospital in Wilmington NC.

Fred was born in Bethlehem Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1950, and was the son of William Gainer and Maize (Hewitt) Gainer. He is survived by his wife Nancy Downing-Gainer, son Max-Erick Downing Gainer (wife Carla) of Wake Forest, NC, and sister Carolyn of Bethlehem, PA. He was predeceased in death by his brother William “Bill” Gainer.

Fred graduated from Penn State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He spent his career in College Administration at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina. His lifelong volunteer work included Grief Counselor for several organizations in the Hudson Valley. He was Especially Proud of his AIDS/HIV Grief Group Counseling in the 1980s and early 1990s.

He was a Follower of Elizabeth Kubler Ross and assisted with the creation of Hospice Care in the Hudson Valley New York. Served on the Board and as a Trainer. He believed in the “Death With Dignity” concept. He was a certified Grief Counselor and ran groups throughout the Hudson Valley through St. Francis Hospital. He was a Board Member of New York Lighthouse.

He and his family moved to NC in 2000 in preparation for Retirement. He retired in 2010 from Cape Fear Community College and continued to support that institution through his donations.

Fred was a kind and caring and gentle man. He spent his life in service and put others first. His interests here in Wilmington included watching his beloved Red Sox play, Fishing, Bird Watching and the care and feeding of the Blue Bird population. He was a family man, who considered his position as a Father and Husband the most important thing he could do. He is missed by all who knew him.

There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, April 26th 11AM-12PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be Private in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Raymond “Junie” E. Gaugler, Jr., 88, of Bethlehem, passed away August 1, 2024. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Marie (McCafferty) and Raymond Gaugler, Sr. He graduated from Bethlehem High School in 1954. Junie served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Radar Repair School in Fort Monmouth, NJ. He retired from Western Electric/AT&T. Junie was an avid golfer and fisherman. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: brother- Brian W. and wife Karen; nieces- Robyn Read, Tammy Read and husband Jay, Wendy Gaugler and husband Ray Lubomski, Kim; great nieces and nephews- Nicolas, Matthew, Bryan and Megan; step-nephew- Charles Kline Jr. He was predeceased by his sister- Marie Kooney and niece Sherry.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 7th 11:30AM-12:30PM with a Service at 12:30PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ALS United of the Mid Atlantic.

Richard W. Groff, 93, peacefully passed away on Sunday April 28, 2024. Richard was the loving husband of Liselotte R. (Brustmann) Groff, to whom he was happily married for 70 years. Born in Bethlehem, Richard was a son of the late Louis A. and Marion M. (Sweeney) Groff. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in the first infantry division during the Korean War. Richard was a life member of the former Monocacy Field and Stream, a life member of the Nazareth American Legion, a life member of the West Side Republican Club of Bethlehem, and a life member of the North End Republican Club. For many years Richard worked as a custodian for the Bethlehem Housing Authority and was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, which is now Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church at Rosemont. He enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Surviving with his wife Liselotte is his brother Daniel T. Groff and his wife Jacqueline. Richard has many nieces and nephews and was predeceased by his siblings Louis A. Groff Jr., Robert Groff and Doris Berkes. Services will be 10:00AM Saturday May 4, 2024, at the Downing Funeral Home in Bethlehem. Calling hour will be 9:00-10:00AM in the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to his church or Animals in Distress.

Carol Ann Gebec-Tapia, 55, of Bethlehem, passed away February 7, 2024. She was the loving wife of 24 years to Angel G. Tapia. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Claude E. and Janet M. (Bachman) Gebec. She graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School and was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Carol was a funny person and enjoyed making people laugh. She loved animals (especially dogs), to go shopping, watch Law & Order SVU, dancing, but most of all babysitting for her family. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- Angel G. Tapia; step-son- DeÁndre G.O. Tapia; granddaughter- Divinity Tapia; siblings- Frank Gebec, Claude Gebec, Janet Gebec, Chrissy Malozzi and husband Chris; many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 15th 9:30-10:30AM 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 in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
Contributions can be made in Carol’s memory to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare 1165 Island Park Rd Easton, PA 18042.

James H Glover, Jr., 75, of Bethlehem, Pa passed away May 5, 2023, at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. James was born June 5, 1947, in Orangeburg, SC. He was a loving husband of 55 years to Selma (Byrd) Glover. James was the son of the late Willie Hauser and Clayrine (Glover) Knight. He attended school in Philadelphia and worked for many years as a school bus driver and in home maintenance. He was known for his sense of humor and dedication to Jehovah.
James and Selma enjoyed traveling and have visited many places around the world. He was passionate about spending time with people and sharing bible truths. James dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized in February 1962 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He served as a devoted member and Elder of the Bethlehem-West Congregation. James and Selma served as ministers in South Mississippi for over ten years. He never missed an opportunity to speak to others about Jehovah and the bible expressing his confidence in his God, Jehovah.
He will be deeply missed, by his family and friends, who will remember him for his zeal for bible truths and unwavering love for Jehovah and his wife, Selma.
He is survived by his wife, Selma, sister Liza Knight and brothers Therman Knight Jr. Alexander Knight, and preceded in death brother Bernard Glover. Also, many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of spiritual children.

Rita Frances (Pierfy) Gerlach, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away October 31, 2021. She was the loving wife of the late Edwin J. Gerlach. Born in Alpha, NJ she was the daughter of the late Neno and Frances (Cervasi) Pierfy. Rita was a 1st generation Italian American and the last of 10 children. She graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1948. Rita was a military wife and had served as President of the NCO wives club. While living in Korea she was instrumental in helping to obtain funds for their local orphanages and volunteered her time. Rita was a member of Notre Dame Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, playing pinochle, watching Dancing with the Stars and the Hallmark Channel and was a dedicated Phillies and Eagles fan. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother who touched many lives over the years. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Susan Keramas and husband Nick, Edward Gerlach, Laurie Nemesch and husband David, Valarie Young; grandchildren- Allison, Ashley, Hayley, Shayla, Taryn, Jarid, Justyn, Joseph and Benjamin; great granddaughter- Ava Rae.
A viewing will be held Saturday, November 6th 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM in Notre Dame Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Janet M. (Bachman) Gebec, 82, of Bethlehem, passed away April 28, 2021. She was the loving wife of the late Claude E. Gebec. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Helen (Wittman) Bachman. Janet graduated from Liberty High School and then St. Luke’s Nursing School as a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed gardening, attending to her flowers and working in her yard. Janet was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Frank and Claude Gebec; daughters- Janet Gebec, Carol and husband Angel Tapia, Chrissy and husband Chris Malozzi; grandchildren- Josh, Craig, Mason, DéAndre and Morgan; great grandson Logan; siblings- Earl Bachman, Helen Hodges, Nancy Billiard, Bill Bachman.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 7th 9:30-10:30AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM all in Holy Ghost Catholic Church 417 Carlton Ave Bethlehem, PA 18015. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Janet’s memory to the Wounded Warriors care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Dorothy P. (Pleban) Gallagher, 88, of Allentown, passed away May 5, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Edward Gallagher. Born in Hazelton, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Pleban. Dorothy retired from working in the cafeteria for the Bethlehem School District. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and their 55 and Up Club, where she had served as Treasurer. Dorothy was a volunteer for Holy Family Manor for many years. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and keeping the Christmas Traditions alive with her family.
Survivors: son- Edward Gallagher Jr. and wife Mary of Northampton; daughters- Claire Ann and husband Russell Beebe of Nashville, TN, Ellen Ann Marie and husband Anthony Portantino of La Canada, CA; grandchildren- Kayla, Meghan and husband Dean Boyd, Sofia, Isabella, Tanya and husband Glen Graver and Krysta; great granddaughter- Ava. She was predeceased by her brother- Andrew and a sister- Helen.
Services will be Private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church or to Westminster Village care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.