Raymond J. Fernandez, Jr. of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 24, 2026 at the age of 85. Born September 7, 1940, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Florence (Goelz) and Raymond J. Fernandez, Sr. Ray graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1958 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University in 1963. Immediately following graduation, he married his beloved wife, Betty (Mlynek), with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Ray dedicated over 39 years to PPL of Allentown as an electrical engineering manager before retiring in 2002. Active in his profession, he served as a chairman for several committees and working groups of the Power System Relaying Committee and acted as that committee's coordinator on the IEEE Standards Board. He was also a committed member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Slovak Church and its parish auxiliary. Outside of work, Ray enjoyed playing golf, traveling the world, reading, crossword puzzles, and cheering on his favorite Villanova basketball team (GO NOVA!).
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; his son, Raymond J. Fernandez, III and his wife Sally (of Wayne, PA); his daughter, Joan (of Skippack, PA); his sister, Marie and her husband Eugene Sobol; his grandchildren, Zachary and Caroline as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3rd at 11AM at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, 924 N. Front St., Allentown, PA 18102. A visitation will be held in the church from 10-11AM until the time of the service. Burial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
John Brenkacs
John Joseph Brenkacs, Jr. passed away on July 17, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1931, and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Eva and Elfi, parents, John and Mary Brenkacs, sister Helen Bogert, brother Robert Brenkacs and son-in-law Bruce Wunsch.
He is survived by his niece Diane Luksa, Denise Clark, nephew Robert Brenkacs and step daughter Jhami Wunsch along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
John proudly served in the Army during the Korean War. He will be remembered for his ever-present devotion to God, his very kind and generous heart and his deep love for his family and friends.
A Calling Time will be held on Saturday, August 22nd 10-11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM all in St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
Albert Bauerlein
Albert Philip Bauerlein, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 13, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Frances Bauerlein for 57 years. Born in Staten Island, NY, he was the son of the late John and Agnes Bauerlein. Al served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Iceland as a radar operator. He worked for 37 years at Xerox as a service technician and was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Al was a lifelong lover of all things technology, a gifted landscaper who transformed his backyards into beautiful park like spaces, and the ultimate do it yourself handyman. He was always quick to help family and friends with a project and was a professional advice giver. He adored his grandchildren and especially loved watching them enjoy a delicious treat. He could often be found in his recliner with his laptop, listening contentedly as his family gathered in the next room. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his brother, John Bauerlein. Survivors include: children – Lynn Orrico and husband Russ, Jeff Bauerlein and wife Kristy, Jill Boland and husband Justin; grandchildren – Jacob, Emily, Hannah, and Sarah; sisters – Frances and Agnes.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 21st 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
Elaine Shellock
Elaine A. Shellock, 84, of Allentown, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Olympia (Perna) Amptman. Elaine graduated from Central Catholic High School and was of the Catholic faith. She worked for many years in banking until her retirement. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: son- Christopher Shellock, daughter- Cathleen Smitreski and husband Edward, grandson- Steven Shellock, sister- Sharon Grate, 2 nephews. She was predeceased by her long time companion- Forest Lamb.
Services will be held Privately for the family care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Elaine’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
Carolmay Myers
Carolmay (Leib) Myers, 71, of Allentown, passed away June 12, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Greg Myers. Born in Upper Darby, she was the daughter of the late John and Doris (Ward) Leib. Carolmay worked for many years as a day care assistant until her retirement. She enjoyed taking road trips but most of all she treasured spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Lisa Myers; grandchildren- Meghan, Jennifer, Hailey, Marc Danielson and Anthony D’Vacato; great grandchildren- Jaylah and Jasmine Sims; siblings- Doris “Dee” Rufo, James “Jimmy” Leib, Darlene Keller, Donna Parker, Lori Gallen, and June Allan. She was predeceased by her daughter- Tracy Myers, son- Greg Myers and siblings- John, Mark and Stephen Leib.
A Calling Time will be held on Tuesday, July 7th 6-7:30PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 7:30PM all in Kohut Funeral Home Inc 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102.
Dolores Walbert
Dolores A. Walbert, 84, of Allentown, passed away May 20, 2026. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Kleinschuster) Blaukovitch. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Church. Dolores retired from many years of service for McDonalds. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- Deborah Kidd and husband Albert, Ronnie Walbert; grandchildren- William Kidd and Crystle Smith; great grandchildren- Matthew, Samuel, Lilly-Anne, Johnny and Jackson. She was predeceased by her brother- Joseph Blaukovitch.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, May 26th at 11:00AM in Cedar Hill Memorial Park 1700 Airport Rd. Allentown, PA 18109. *Please meet at the rear entrance (Irving St.) to be led to the grave.* Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dolores’s memory to The Lehigh Valley Human Society 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103.
Susan Benovich
Susan L. Benovich, 83, of Allentown, passed away May 19, 2026. Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Helen (Madea) Benovich. Susan had been a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She enjoyed crafting, watching QVC, collecting Longenberger Baskets and had a special talent for color coordinating items. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: sisters- Frances Koncsics and husband Thomas, Carol Anthony, Rita Blum, Joan Myers and husband Walter, and many nieces, nephews & great nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday May 23rd at 11:00AM in St John the Baptist Slovak Catholic Cemetery 924 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Arrangements are entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Susan’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
Emma Focht
Emma (Senar) Focht, 85, of Allentown, passed away May 17, 2026. Born in Nanticoke, she was the daughter of the late Metro and Mary Senar. Emma retired from Western Electric/ Lucent. She enjoyed polka music and dancing. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Audrey Hetten-Steigerwalt and her husband Cort Steigerwalt, grandsons- Austin Steigerwalt, Robert Hetten, daughter- Connie Smith and granddaughter- Kristin Ortiz. She was predeceased by her sisters- Jean Sommers, Dorothy Hudak and brothers- John, Joseph and her twin Andrew.
Services will be Private.