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Beloved Philly Chef Dies After Two-Year Cancer Battle
Beloved chef and dad Jim Burke died after a brave two-year battle with cancer on Monday, Aug. 8. He was 49.
A native of Jenkintown, Burke was known for his work with James, a popular South Philadelphia restaurant, which he also owned with his wife, Kristina, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020, but by that time, it had already reached stage four, according to a GoFundMe.
"Jim was a rare individual," reads the fundraiser, launched by Steve and Carla Red.
"A brilliantly talented chef and restaurateur, a charismatic leader, the most wonderful fat…
Devoted Lehigh Valley Dad Dies Suddenly, 33
Devoted father Justin David Sykes died unexpectedly at his Lehigh Valley home on Friday, June 3. He was 33.
Born in Morristown, Justin grew up in Wilson, where he graduated from Wilson Area High School in 2007, his obituary says.
Justin had previously worked as an experienced pipe fitter with Worth & Company in Pipersville, according to his memorial.
Known for his one-of-a-kind wit and sense of humor, Justin was always bringing happiness to those around him.
Above all, Justin was a devoted father and loved spending time with his three children, Noah, Levi, and Sydney.
In addition to …
Passaic Man Whose Motto Was 'Carpe Diem' Dies
Todd Parrett took every opportunity to seize the day that he could, right up until the day he died, his obituary says.
The Passaic resident, born in Lock Haven, PA, died on Sunday, May 22 at 42 years old.
He was remembered for his "exuberance for life," and was passionate about the great outdoors.
A tribute posted to Facebook by Joni Brown noted how Parrett often offered words of comfort and a listening ear.
"I, just like so many, am deeply saddened to hear he's gone and I just think Todd deserved to be honored and truly remembered for his sweetness and silliness, and his good soul and …
Lehigh Valley Forklift Driver, Beloved Father Of 5 Dies Suddenly At 34
Lehigh Valley forklift driver and beloved father of five John W. DeWitt died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 5. He was 34.
Born in Jersey City, John graduated from Freedom High School before becoming employed as a forklift operator for QVC, his obituary says.
John lived in Bethlehem at the time of his death and was known for his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and compassion.
Above all, John was remembered for the unlimited love he had for his five children, Jacier DeWitt, Jayceon DeWitt, Nasir DeWitt, Nala DeWitt, and Nasin Ferrer.
Meanwhile, nearly $2,000 had been raised on GoFundMe for Joh…
Bethlehem Mom Lauren Sestito Dies, 35
Bethlehem mom Lauren Sestito died on Tuesday, March 29. She was 35.
Sestito graduated from Notre Dame High School in 2005, and earned a bachelor's degree from Penn State - Lehigh Valley campus in 2009, her obituary says.
She was a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church and previously worked as a tax accountant and sales coordinator, her memorial says. Her obituary remembered her as a "devoted mother."
Sestito is survived by her husband, Jeremy Sestito; a daughter, Helena Cheffie; a son, Angelo Jude; her mother, Josephine; her father, William; brother, William, Jr.; sis…
Beloved Lehigh Valley Teacher ID'd As Victim Of Kunkletown House Fire
A Lehigh Valley schoolteacher was killed in a Poconos area house fire with her four grandchildren, district officials confirmed.
Rosemarie La Barre, 53, was a family and consumer science teacher at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem, the school district said on Facebook.
"Mrs. LaBarre was an amazing teacher, friend, and mentor to many in the BASD," the post reads.
The BASD Community is saddened by the loss of one of our own BASD staff, Rosemarie LaBarre. Mrs. LaBarre was a Family... Posted by Bethlehem Area School District on Tuesday, February 15, 2022
“The entire BASD family mour…
