Margaret V. Kuhns, 86, of Allentown, passed away peacefully at her home on September 24, 2026. Born in Allentown, PA, Margaret was the daughter of the late Joseph and Thelma (Sweeny) Kuhns and preceded in death by her sisters Bernadette Quay and Mildred Dorsey. Margaret is survived by her sister Anna Marie Bednar and was a beloved Aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Margaret V. Kuhns honorably served her country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during a transformative era for female service members. A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, she enlisted in the military in 1958. During her period of active service from 1958 to 1961, she was part of the dedicated cohort of Women Marines who helped expand the operational capabilities and roles available to women in the Armed Forces following the historic integration acts of the post-WWII era. Her service reflects the enduring Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment. She remains a proud member of the veteran community, carrying forward the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations of women in uniform. Semper Fidelis.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 30th 6-8PM and Thursday, October 1st 8:30-9:30AM all in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 1st at 10AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 501 Ridge Ave Allentown, PA 18102. Burial to follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Military Women’s Memorial 200 N. Glebe Rd Suite 400 Arlington, VA 22203 or online at www.WomensMemorial.org.

Samuel L. DeFiore, 89, of Allentown, passed away September 4, 2026. Born in Allentown, on March 31, 1937, he was the son of the late Dominic DeFiore and Mary (Hrabowensky) DeFiore. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.
Survivors: son- David of Northampton, granddaughter- Lauren wife of Cain Hahn, great granddaughter- Grace, great grandson- Wyatt all of Bath; son- Daniel and wife Marion, grandsons- Alex and Nichols all of TN. He was predeceased by his brother- “Muzzy” in 2019.
Interment is Private and entrusted to Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.

Stefan Pukszyn, 80, of Allentown, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Born in Germany to Anna (Paska) and Mykola Pukszyn, his family emigrated to the United States in 1949. Steve graduated from Central Catholic High School and Lehigh University, after spending much of his youth creating memories, and lifelong friendships at the Herbst Playground. Steve led a long and varied work life, including owning of the Red Cove at 5th & Washington from 1978 – 1980, where he met the love of his life, and wife of 45 years Karen (Kast). A highlight was winning the raffle in 1994 to flip the switch to implode Corporate Plaza in downtown Allentown. He retired from Day-Timers, Inc. and later from the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits Store. Steve was passionate about Central Catholic High School sports, Penn State football, Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, and the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Steve enjoyed traveling or just sitting in the back yard enjoying the landscape.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Maria, and 2 brothers James and Michael. Steve is survived by his wife Karen, his beloved Goldendoodles Elsa and Piper, niece Christine (Joseph) Grady, nephew Eric (Brianna) Pukszyn, sister-in-law Joanne Pukszyn, grand nieces and nephews, sisters and brother-in-laws and many friends.
A Calling Time will be held on Friday, August 21st 10AM-12PM with a Service at 12PM all in Kohut Funeral Home, Inc. 950 N. Front St. Allentown, PA 18102.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Steve’s memory to Lehigh Valley Humane Society, 640 Dixon St. Allentown, PA 18103.

Donald “Don” Stokes, 79, of Allentown, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Sara (Husz) and Donald Stokes, Sr.

Don was a devoted husband and a man who could always be counted on by those he loved. He shared 42 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Sandy. Together, they built a home filled with family, countless do-it-yourself projects, and their faithful dog, Breeze.

Don dedicated 35 years of his career to Mack Trucks as a draftsman before beginning a second career as a school bus driver for the Whitehall-Coplay School District for 15 years and later for the Salisbury School District.

Don will be remembered for the example he set through a lifetime of hard work, his love of children, and the quiet, dependable way he cared for the people around him. He enjoyed gardening, took pride in maintaining his home, and was always ready to tackle the next repair or improvement project.

Above all, Don valued family. He was a loving husband and a steady, fatherly presence in the lives of Sandy’s children. Over the years, that same caring nature extended to the grandchildren he was so proud of and to others who became part of the family, all of whom lovingly knew him as “GrandDon.”

Don was predeceased by his sister, Suzanne, and his brothers, Robert and David. He is survived by his wife, Saundra; her children, Rosalind, Robin and her husband, Christopher, and Joseph and his wife, Rebecca; his grandchildren, Samantha and her fiancé, Viet, Tyler and his wife, Shuying, Kalley, and Valin, all of whom held a special place in Don’s heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at the graveside at 11:30AM in Arlington Memorial Park 3843 Lehigh St Whitehall, PA 18052. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Don’s memory to Lehigh Valley Hospice care of Kohut Funeral Home, Inc.

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 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 9-10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM 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 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 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.