The Morning Call from Allentown, Pennsylvania • 26

A 26 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2010 THE MORNING CALL TODAY Boyle, Patricia Brazes, Fern Buss, Dale Casteline, Esther Downing, Charles Farnsworth, Margherita Gerstenberg, Earl Kovalovich, Virginia Masters, Carson Max, Ernest Musser, Joanne C. Savitt, John Sayre, Dorothy Sieger, Bruce Stamm, Irene Wert. Donald Charles M. Downing Charles M. Downing, 77 formerly of Fountain Hill, passed away peacefully, Thursday, October 7, 2010 in Cary, NC.

He was the loving husband of 56 years to Jean (Gregor) Downing. Born in Fountain Hill, he was the son of the late Herbert M. and Mary (Kinney) Downing. I He attended Moravian College and was a graduate of American Academy, McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York, NY. Charles was a 3rd generation funeral director receiving his license in 1969.

He was the former owner of Downing Funeral Home, Inc. in Bethlehem. He was a member of St. Ursula Catholic Church in Fountain Hill, former President and Vice-President of St. Ursula's Holy Name Society.

A member of the Golden Hillers, Fountain Hill Legion, Mahoning Valley Country Club and member and Past Treasurer of EPFDA. He was the past President, Vice President and Treasurer of Fountain Hill Exchange Club. He was a 3rd degree knight and past Treasurer of the Holy Cross Council. He was a former Scout Master for Ss. Simon and Jude.

Survivors: Wife Jean of Cary NC; sons, Robert of San Jose, CA; William M. of Nazareth, PA and Richard daughters, Jo Ann Kuruc of Cary, NC and Mary Ann Friedman of Ashburn, VA; 12 grandchildren; and two great grandsons. He is pre-deceased in death by siblings, James, Joseph, Richard and Elizabeth and predeceased by a granddaughter Allison. Services: A viewing will be held on Wednesday October 13, 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Downing Funeral Home, Inc, 1002 W.

Broad St. Bethlehem, PA and Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in St. Ursula Catholic Church 1300 Broadway, Fountain Hill, Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Burial in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

www.downingfuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Charles's memory to Guiding Light Care Giver Support Center, 3724 National Dr. suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27612, www.guidinglight.org, or to St. Ursula's Church. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Consider These Thoughts COMPLICATED SITUATION The psychological condition known as "complicated grief" more severe than ordinary grief and different from depression.

Those who experience it have feelings of disbelief, loss, and anguish that do not go away. Eventually, these persistent feelings affect every part of a person's life. Left untreated, the condition can lead to depression, suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and even heart disease. Unlike many disorders following bereavement, including depression, complicated grief tends to persist for years and become a chronic, distressed state. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of the surviving relatives of people who die naturally experience complicated Those who lose someone on whom they were emotionally dependent are at greatest risk.

Fortunately, there is effective treatment. QUOTE: "Man is the only animal that that shows any signs of doubt of its John P. Savitt John P. (Savitsky) Sav- itt, who was known as Jack, went home to be with the Lord on October 8, 2010. He lost a long suffering battle of complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

He passed away in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township with his beloved wife, Mary Louise (Stickler) Savitt by his side. Jack was born in Coaldale Hospital on December 21, 1933. He was the son of the lateJohn E. and Mae (Spack) Savitsky. He and his wife, Mary Lou, were sweethearts in High School and attended and graduated from Lansford High School in 1952.

Jack also graduated from Lincoln Preparatory School in Philadelphia after he served with the U.S.Army as a courierduring the Korean Conflict. He also attended Albright College under the GI Bill. Jack worked for several newspapwers after college as an advertising salesman. He worked for the Bethlehem Globe, Quakertown Free Press, Times News, Lehighton, and the Intelligencer. He became a partner in the Bucksaver Magazine based in Souderton and retired from there in 1995 as Vice President and Advertising Director.

From 1985 to 1998, he and his wife, Mary Lou, operated "The Jack Savitt Gallery" in their home in Macungie. Their home, a farmhouse they restored, housed and sold his father's (aka Coal Miner Jack Savitsky) art work. Jack was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie, the Macungie Rod and Gun Club, the Macungie VFW and had been a member of Macungie Fire Company. Survivors: Jack is survived by his wife of 27 years; his son, John and his wife Dina of East Stroudsburg; his wife's daughter, Catherine Luebbert and her husband, Jim of Baltimore; his sister-in-law, Robin Fannick of Danville; and his grandchildren Roshelle, Felecia, Benjamin, Amanda, Rachel and Leah. Services: Services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday October 13, 2010 at Grace Lutheran Church, 28 Main Macungie.

Calling hourfrom 9:30 to 10:30 am. Immediate following the the service a reception will be in the social hall of the church. Interment will be at Skyview Memorial Park, Hometown, PA. Schmoyer Funeral Home, Breinigsville is in charge of arrangements. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please sendcontributions to "Chapel Grace Lutheran Church in Macungie 18062, to restore a painting and the original chapel.

Jack was involved in raising money for this project and would appreciate donations towards it. it.www.schmoyerfuneralhome.com Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits By Stanley S. Stephens, Supervisor Mattheu S. Stephens grieving process can be very painful and difficult for people who have lost someone close to them. Bereavement counseling is a special type net professional help.

You may able to find it through hospice services or a referral from health care provider. This type of counseling has been shown to the level of distress that mourners go through after the death of a loved one. It can help them move easily through the phases of grief. For more information, please call STEPHENS FUNERAL HOME at 610.343.6304. Our home is located 1335 Linden Allentown Pa.

www.stephensfuneral.com contemplates death, also the only animal finality." -William Ernest Hocking Elizabeth 'Irene' Stamm Elizabeth "Irene" Stamm, 86, passed away on September 30, 2010. She was born on April 2, 1924 in Kremmling, CO to Francis H. Lee and Mildred Miller. She retired from Walp's Resturant in Allentown, PA. She married Andrew Stamm on February 12, 1943.

Andrew passed away on September 11, 2010. They were married 67 years. Survivors: Irene is survived by her children; Bonnie Oswald of Parker, CO and Allan Stamm of Tallahassee, FL; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services: Memorial Service for both Andrew and Irene will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 2 p.m., Allentown SDA Church, 2140 W. Tilghman St.

Followed by an Inurnment at 3:30 p.m., Cedar Hill Memorial Park. The family apologizes for errors made in the obituary of Andrew John Stamm listed on Sunday, October 3. Preceded in death by his brother Francis, of Allentown; Mr. Stamm's parents were John Nicholas Stamm and Lillian Miller of Allentown. Mr.

Stamm is also survived by a sister, Gloria, wife of Kenneth Bower of Allentown and a brother, James Stamm of Pearl City, HI. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Bruce A. Sieger Bruce A. Sieger, 82, of Allentown, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2010, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of June E.

(Nichol) Sieger and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 25. Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Reverend Hiram F. and Fannie E. (Plant) Sieger. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S.

Marine Corp. during the Second World War. He was discharged in 1945. Bruce worked for Town Auto and Newman Chevrolet dealers, Rodale Manufacturing and I.T. and T.

in Easton before retiring in 1993. Bruce was a member of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown, where he served as usher, sound system operator and office volunteer. He enjoyed bowling, tennis, swimming, jazz, and his lawn. Bruce was a quiet and gentle man. (He was the man who wore the white hat.) All who knew him and loved him will grieve for him.

Survivors: wife; niece, Janet Palmer; nephews, Christopher and Charles, Jr. Sieger, Richard and John Durham. A sister, Gloria Durham, and brothers, Charles and Owen, preceded him in death. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 37 South Fifth Street, Allentown.

Call 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Howertown. Please share on-line condolences at www.stephensfuneral.com Contributions: in lieu of flowers, to church 18101. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Patricia L.

Boyle Patricia L. Boyle, 47, of Allentown died Wednesday in her home. Survivors: brothers, Jeffrey and Joseph Boyle; sister, Stacie Boyle. Services: graveside Tuesday 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery, 1851 Linden St, Bethlehem.

Arrangements, Long Funeral Home. Bethlehem. Earl T. Gerstenberg Earl T. Gerstenberg, 72, of Nazareth, formerly of Phillipsburg, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2010 at Easton Hospital.

He was born on August 28, 1938 to the late Earl T. and Jeannette Lesher Gerstenberg. Earl was most recently retired. However, in his life he was a self Employed Brick Layer, Stone Mason and former owner of the Broad Street Tavern and Ranch House Bar and I Grill, both in Nazareth. Earl belonged to Warren Lodge of past Grand Tall Cedar, Warren County Forest Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

He was an avid motorcyclist who loved riding his Harley-Davidson, and he also liked camping. Survivors: He was survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda Riley Gerstenberg; sons, Michael Gerstenberg, of Nazareth; Jason Gerstenberg, of Nazareth; daughters, Tanya Gerstenberg, of Columbia, NJ; Kimberly LaCost, of Whitehall, PA; Jacqueline Kulp, of Nazareth; a brother, George Gerstenberg; grandchildren, Alek and Emily, John and Tracey, Christopher and Ryan; his loving pups Max and Harley; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Jack and Richard Gersten- berg. Services: A service will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 6 p.m. at the Rupell al Home LLC, 465 Memorial Parkway, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions: Memorials may be made i in Earl's name to the American Cancer Society 7 Ridgedale Suite 103; Cedar Knolls, NJ 07972. Online condolences may be submitted at www.rupellfuneralhome.com Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Dorothy M. Sayre Dorothy M.

Sayre, 79 of Allentown died on October 7, 2010, at home. Born in Allentown daughter of the late Aden and Florence (Kiess) Meyers, Sr. She was a member of Saucon Mennonite Church, in Coopersburg. Survivors: Daughter, Debra Newhard and husband, Kurt; sons, Allen B. Sayre and wife, Kim, and Paul Sayre and, wife Patricia; sisters, Pauline Derby, Joan Goldman and Catherine McCullouch; brothers, Aden Meyers, Jr.

and Richard Meyers; ten grandchildren; and ten greatgrandchildren. Services: Memorial Service on Tuesday October 12, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in Saucon Mennonite Church, 6639 N. Main Street, Coopersburg, with burial to follow in Church Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Sell-Herron Funeral Home Allentown.

Contributions: The family would appreciate flowers or contributions to Saucon Mennonite Church 6639 N. Main Street Coopersburg, PA 18036. Please sign Guest Book on Ernest W. Max Ernest W. Max, 82, of Allentown, died October 8, 2010 in ManorCare Health Services, Bethlehem.

He was the husband of Elizabeth P. (Virgilio) Max. Born in Allentown, he was a son of the lateHarry and Rose (Lovitz) Max. He was an Army veteran and employed at Mack Trucks, Allentown, for 37 years until retiring. Surviving: Daughter, Sherri Sweeney; Son, Steven Max and his wife, Jill; companion, Evelyn Matlack; and grandchildren, Cherise, Perry, Holly and Chianne; and a great-granddaughter.

Services: Graveside, today at Noon, Agudas Achim Cemetery, Whitehall. Shiva will be observed at the home of Jill and Steven Max, 8210 Aspen Way, Elkins Park, from Sunday through Wednesday. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bachman, Kulik Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Esther L. Casteline Esther L.

Casteline, 108, of Allentown, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2010 at the Phoebe Home. She formerly lived at 624 N. 20th Street in Allentown for more than 70 years. Born in Trexlertown on March 9, 1902, she was the daughter of the late Harry T. and Annie M.

(Grammes) Kern. She was the wife of Arthur R. Casteline who passed away in 1982. Esther was a member of St. James U.C.C.

in Allentown. She was a graduate of the former Dorney Business College and was employed in the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds Office from 1919 to 1928. She was also appointed to a four year term as a member of the Republican County Committee for the 5th District, 11th Ward in the City of Allentown. Esther was a volunteer at the Allentown and Lehigh Valley Hospital for more than 30 years. She and her husband were members of Split Rock Lodge, where she spent her favorite past time of trout fishing.

Esther was a loving, caring and giving person with a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. Survivors: Nephew: Kenneth H. Kern and his wife Susan of Allentown, and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Eva A.

Koch and a brother Elmer A. Kern. Services: Private, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. Please share on-line condolences at www.stephensfuneral.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Esther may be made to Phoebe Home, 1925 Turner Allentown 18104 or St.

James U.C.C., 15th Walnut Allentown 18102. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Carson W. Masters Carson W. Masters, 111, 71, of Bethlehem, died Friday. He worked for the PBNE railroad and Western Electric and owned a Gulf Service Station in Bethlehem.

He was a Marine. Survivors: Five children, three brothers, and was a grandfather. Services: Private. Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Visit the online Guest Books tribute in the obituary section Pay a friend or loved to express condolences.

your lasting one. of themorningcall.com to a themorningcall.com Dale H. Buss, Sr. Dale H. Buss, 87, of Catasauqua, died Friday, October 8, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at Lehigh Valley Hospital- -Salisbury Township.

He was the husband of Katherine "Kitty" (Harding) and celebrated 57 years of marriage together this past June. Born in Schoenersville, he was a son of the late Herman Peter and Jennie (Saylor) Buss. Dale was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Catasauqua, where he served on church council for many years. He was a WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Corps.

He was a graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown and Kutztown State Teacher College. Dale also attended Bucknell and Lehigh Universities. He taught math and science from 1952-55 at the former Margaret Brent High School, in St. Mary's County, MD. Dale taught English, Biology and Life Science from 1955-1988 in the high school and middle school of the Catasauqua Area School District.

He was a member of the Porter Lodge F. AM for 35 years; a member of the Scottish Rites Masons of Allentown; the original Catasauqua Shade Tree Council; council member of Christ Lutheran Church of Schoenersville; life member of the N.E.A.; a' member of the former Exchange Club of Catasauqua; a member of P.A.S.R. where he was the first member from the Lehigh Chapter to be awarded the John Dillon PASR Hall of Fame award; and a member of the L.C.P.A.S.R where he organized and operated many trips with his wife Kitty, traveling both locally and abroad for the last 21 years. Survivors: Surviving along with his wife are; his daughter, KathyLee and her husband Frank Selvaggio, of Zionsville; son, Dale H. and his wife, Donna, of Lancaster; sisters, Marion and husband, John Ackley, of Moline, IL, Jean Shoemaker, of Catasauqua, Sandra Wescoe, of Coopersburg; three grandchildren, Kara and husband, Shaun Kollar, Dustin Selvaggio and April, Christian Selvaggio; three great grandchildren Alexander David, Logan Dale, Dante Malachi and two step great- Haley and Emilie.

Dale was preceded in death by brothers Robert and Larry. Services: Funeral services will be held at 11am Friday, October 15th, 2010 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 Howertown Road, Catasauqua, 18032. Call from to 8:30 p.m. Thursday October 14th at Brubaker Funeral Home, 234 Walnut St.

Catasauqua, 18032 and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made payable to the Dale Buss Memorial Scholarship Fund used to honor outstanding academic achievement by a high school student, care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family atwww.brubakerfuneralhome.com. Please sign Guest Book on themorningcall.com/obits Joanne C.

Musser Joanne C. Musser, 72, of Perkasie, PA, died October 7, 2010, in ManorPA. Care, Montgomery Services: Memorial, Tuesday 12 Noon, Bernard Suess Funeral Home, Perkasie 606 Arch Street, 18944. Call Tuesday 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., funeral home.

Familv. Memorials: Musser funeral home..