Thomas M. Hartigan, 87, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024 in his home with family by his side. He was the loving husband of the late Barbara J. (Trotter) Hartigan until her passing in 2006 and then to the late Katherine (Dugan) Hartigan until her passing in 2015. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Michael and Madeline (Lindley) Hartigan. Thomas graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Thomas was an passionate fisherman and avid world traveler, making multiple trips to Europe, Africa, India, Asia and South America. But above all Thomas loved spending time with his granddaughters and granddogs. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sons- Thomas M. Hartigan Jr. and wife Mary Ann of Ogdensburg, NJ, Craig C. Hartigan and wife Krystal Lee of Schnecksville, Sean P. Hartigan and wife Holly of Fogelsville; 6 loving granddaughters, Katie, Maggie, Tori, Erin, Cara and Morgan. He was predeceased by his siblings, Margaret, Madeline, Ann, Mary and James.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 30th 5-7PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 31st at 11:00AM in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
Contributions can be made in Thomas’s memory to Saints Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church in Bethlehem

Dolores E. (Jones) Hoffert, 90, of Bethlehem, passed away August 29, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late George W. Hoffert Jr. Born in Danielsville, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Chaffrey (Kocher) Jones. She will be deeply missed.

Survivors: children- Debra Patton and husband Ron of Bethlehem, Randy Hoffert of Bethlehem, Kathy Walker and husband George of NC, Krisann Szvetecz and husband Philip of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Michael and Matthew Patton, Jordan Hoffert, Skylar and Hailey Szvetecz; great grandchildren- Ryleigh and Quinlee Patton, Ariella Ritter; sister- Jean Holzinger. She was predeceased by her sister- Betty Neith.

Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

William J. Hancharik (86), beloved husband and father passed away Sunday, July 14. He is survived by JoAnn (Jarrett) Hancharik, his wife of nearly 65 years, son Kevin and wife Deena, daughter Kimberly Floyd and husband Andre, and daughter Karen McHale; grandchildren Zachary, Jarrett, Brett, and Bailey; and recent addition to the family, great-granddaughter Maeve.
Bill was employed by Lehigh Structural Steel for 26 years prior to his retirement. He was an avid fly fisherman and a constant source of support and encouragement to his children and grandchildren at whose performances, events, and activities he was a regular fixture. Bill had a lovely singing voice, and was a smooth dancer. He greatly enjoyed gathering with extended family and friends, for whom his presence will be sorely missed.
Service will be Private and are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Richard J. Huber, Jr., 66, of Allentown, passed away January 24, 2024. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Richard J. Huber Sr. and the late Janet (Lehrman) Huber. Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He worked for many years as a marine diesel mechanic, working on tug boats. Richard enjoyed watching NASCAR and football, especially the Eagles. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors: father- Richard Huber, Sr.; daughters- Nicole Huber, Anna Jennings and husband Matt; granddaughter- Kara Huber; sisters- JoAnn Zwickl, Elizabeth Snyder, Marci Huber. He was predeceased by his brothers- Jonathan and Matthew Huber.

Services will be Private.

Frederick F. Horvath, 76, peacefully passed away on Thursday March 23, 2023, exactly 4 years after his loving wife Juliann M. (Shiner) Horvath, to whom he was happily married for 50 years. Born in Bethlehem, Frederick was a son of the late Francis and Barbara (Haddad) Horvath. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Fred was a faithful member of SS. Simon and Jude Church in Bethlehem and a graduate of Penn State University in electrical engineering. Prior to retiring he worked for PPL Electric for 42 years as a high voltage insulation tech. Fred was a member of IBEW and enjoyed coaching Lehigh Little League during the 1970's-1980's. He was a master woodworker but retired early to care for his loving wife who suffered from dementia. Surviving are his sons: Charles Horvath and Mark Horvath and his wife Nichole. Daughter: Michele wife of Samuel Odenwelder. Sister: Carol Brunnabend. Grandchildren: Nicholas & Lucy, Elias & Marcus. Fred was predeceased by his brother Charles Horvath. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 30, 2023 at 11:00AM in SS. Simon and Jude Church, Bethlehem. Calling Hour will be 10:00-11:00AM in the Church. Arrangements entrusted to the Downing Funeral Home.

Richard A. Heffernan, Sr. 84, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away on June 9, 2022 surrounded by the loving family he created. Richard lived a life dedicated to helping others and making the most of what God gave him. Richard, fondly known as “Pop” among his family, was born in Wilkes-Barre in 1937, the sixth of eight children, to the late John T. and Anna K. (Carkhuff) Heffernan. He attended St. Mary’s High School, Wilkes-Barre, where he made lifelong friends and played many pranks, which he continued to reminisce about through his final years. Richard met his wife, the late Dolores S. (Kascsak) Heffernan at a CYC dance. He and Dolores married on June 6,1959. Richard and Dolores started their family in 1960 when Linda was born, followed by Colette, Richard Jr., and Brian.

Richard served his community in numerous ways, starting with joining the U.S. Navy from 1956-1958. He then worked for Western Electric. In 1962, he and Dolores moved their family to Bethlehem, which Richard would call home for the next 60 years. Richard earned his Associate’s degree from Alvernia College in Criminal Justice and achieved a lifelong dream of working in law enforcement when he became a dedicated police officer for the Bethlehem Police Department. He took great pride in working for the city of Bethlehem and served in this role for 25 years. He remained an active member of the FOP. After serving on the police force, Richard enjoyed driving buses for both TransBridge and the Bethlehem School District.

Despite his busy work schedule, Richard continued to make time for volunteer work. Richard was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church for many years, volunteering in a multitude of roles, serving as a member of Knights of Columbus and 55 Club. He also spent many hours volunteering at St. Luke’s VNA. Throughout all of these roles, he appreciated any conversation he had with his friends and fellow volunteers both old and new. That is not to say that Richard did not also take time to relax. He always made time for family vacations, catching up with old friends, and simply enjoying a cup of coffee on his front porch. He valued time with his family and supported them by attending countless sporting events, award ceremonies, and graduations throughout the years, whether they were a quick car ride or a long plane ride away.

We will deeply miss many things about Pop, but especially his love of coffee and Yuengling, singing extra ‘Happy Birthday’ verses, his reminders to write dates on photographs, and his easy-going, kind, and generous nature. Anyone who was lucky enough to spend time with Pop can confirm the world is a better place for having him here.

Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Dolores, parents John and Anna Heffernan, and siblings, John, Tom, Joseph, Alexander, Jule, and Margaret.

Survivors include children: Linda Gulla and husband Anthony of Coopersburg, Colette Heffernan of Bethlehem, Richard Heffernan Jr. and wife Christine of Bethlehem, Brian Heffernan and wife Beth Ann of Bethlehem; sister, Mary Williams and husband Tom of Mascoutah, Illinois; grandchildren Kristine (Phil), Elizabeth (Chris), Theresa Gulla, and Lindsey, Luke, and Brady Heffernan; great-granddaughter, Bridget Celona; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services: A Calling Time will be held on Monday, June 20th 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Richard’s memory to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church or Padre Pio Memorial Gift, 111 Barto Rd, Barto, PA 19504.

Sue E. Hamm 77, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2022 in her home. Born in Pen Argyl, Sue was a daughter of the late Arthur L. and Harriet M. (Rasely) Hamm. Sue was a very hard worker and a loving sister. She worked as a coning machine operator in the textile industry for numerous years and later worked for Giant food stores in the floral department. Sue loved movies, puzzles, flowers and crocheting. Surviving are her siblings: George E. Hamm, Rebecca L. Hamm and numerous nieces and nephews. Sue was predeceased by her twin brother: Thomas A. and sisters: Isabelle J. Camp and Rachel R. Bullinger. Graveside services will be 12:00PM on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at the Bethlehem Memorial Park 1851 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18017. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Downing Funeral Home, Bethlehem.

Mary T. (Bistritz) Hann, 60, of Allentown, passed away Friday, June 18th. She was the loving wife of the late Jackson James Hann. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Dorothy (Brunner) Bistritz. Mary enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Joshua Hann, Jacqueline Hann and fiancé Benjamin Colon; grandchildren- Julian and Aiden Colon; siblings- Paul Bistritz and significant other Linda Jones, Katherine Hann and husband Gary Hann, Diane Greger and husband Jeffrey Greger.
A Calling Time will be held on Tuesday, June 29th 6-7:30PM with a Service at 7:30PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.