Gene Stickel, 90 (lovingly known as Pop Pop), passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. His wife and soulmate of 41 years, Rhoda (Terk / Sturm) Stickel, preceded him in death. Gene and Rhoda made their home in Boonton, New Jersey for 39 years before moving to Easton, Pennsylvania in 2016.

Gene was raised by the late Karl and Anna (Krohmer) Stickel in Irvington, New Jersey. As a one-income first-generation immigrant family, Gene learned the value of hard work and earning what he could to support his family. At age 7, he was shining shoes in the busy city streets. Throughout his school years, Gene not only worked, but participated in basketball and track - he often boasted he was very fast. He joined the service at seventeen years old. He first served in the United States Navy as a Flight Engineer. After graduating from Barrington College in Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1960, Gene joined the United States Air Force and flew as a B-66 Navigator. He was stationed in Trinidad, Texas, California, Florida and South Carolina. After 10 years in the military, he enjoyed multiple experiences as a butcher, teacher, laborer, painter, and brewer. He became an avid pilot and boater with his big red Donzi. Gene retired after 25 years as a Quality Assurance Manager in the computer industry.

Gene and Rhoda were always quite adventurous, especially when they decided to marry and merge a family with five diverse (and often reckless) teenagers. They loved traveling which took them all over the world - visiting Europe, Galapagos' Islands, Mexico, … In addition to flying, Gene enjoyed golfing, playing softball, basketball, watching his Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed exploring the sea through scuba diving. He was an avid choral member, spending years performing with the Morris Conservatory where he enjoyed the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah (one he performed every year without fail).

He leaves behind his children, Peter Sturm and wife Roxanne, Colly Stickel and wife Diane, Carol Hartman and husband Kevin, David Sturm and wife Nancy, and Timothy Stickel and wife Andrea; grandchildren, Brian Stickel, Jason Stickel and wife Laura, Kyle Hartman, Kaylee Stickel, Sarah Clabaugh and husband Joel, Jesse Stickel and wife Kylie, and Jessica Sturm; great-grandsons, Lucas and Elias; and sister Marge. His brother Carl and his sister Anne preceded him in death.

Family and friends are invited to Gene's viewing on Friday, January 17, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM until the service begins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 12:00 Noon in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202 or at www..heifer.org

Heifer International