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Ralph Hunsicker Obituary

Ralph E. Hunsicker
Ralph E. Hunsicker, 85, passed away March 30, 2012 in Bethlehem, PA. Born in Lehighton, PA, he was the son of Bessie A. and Warren E. Hunsicker. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton. After serving in the United States Navy in the North Atlantic Theater aboard the USS Evarts (DE5) as a Third Class Petty Officer, during WWII, he graduated from Rider College and Lehigh University. He was employed by the Northampton Area School District from 1955-1990. He also served as a member of the Lehighton Zoning Hearing Board and the Lehighton Water Authority. Survivors: his wife of 57 years Violet, daughter Dr. Ann L. Hunsicker-Morrissey wife of Dr. W. Michael Morrissey Jr., grandchildren, Jessica and Michael Morrissey and brothers, Elmer, Edward and Grant Hunsicker. He was predeceased by sisters, Helen and Arlene and brother, George. Services: at the convenience of the family, Schaeffer Funeral Home, Lehighton, in charge of the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.schaefferfunerals.com Contributions: Zion United Church of Christ 2nd and Iron Streets, Lehighton, PA 18235 or Lehighton Area Memorial Library 124 North Street, Lehighton, PA 18235

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Published by Morning Call on Apr. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Hunsicker

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Angyne Schock-Smith

April 24, 2012

To the family of a man I knew as "Mr. Hunsicker": I was in his class in 1965-66. He was one of my favorite all-time teachers. I wish you the strength to bear your grief until time has done its job by turning all the pain to fond memories.

Lori Phifer

April 4, 2012

Violet and Ann, so sorry to hear the news of Ralphs passing. We keep losing too many family members. All our love and prayers to all of you. Lori, Ken, Amanda, Alex and Adam Phifer

joe herceg

April 2, 2012

Mrs. Violet Hunsicker, for the short time I've known you and your husband, Ralph. I was very immpressed with both of you! Sincerely, Joe Herceg.

Kathleen Crayosky

April 2, 2012

You can be very proud of your husband, father, grandfather...he influenced many, many people. (How many of us can name all the counties of Pennsylvania...alright maybe a few?) He comes to mind when thinking of great teachers; they are far and few between. A great man.
May he Rest In Peace and may his memory be eternal.
My sincere sympathy to all.

Kathleen Crayosky
Mr. Hunsicker's 1966 8th grade class and homeroom

Glen & Fay Andrews

April 1, 2012

Violet & Ann, our most heartfelt sympathies go out to you & your family. He was a dear cousin. He will be missed. Prayers for all of you.

Wendy Rose (Solt)

April 1, 2012

I was a student of Mr. Hunsicker in the early 80s. He was a dear man who knew Pennsylvania like the back of his hand. You will never be forgotten. I have such fond memories of your class.

Eric Hoffman Class of '86

April 1, 2012

My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr. Hunsicker was one of my favorite teachers at Northampton Junior High. He taught us history, to believe in ourselves, and to act appropriately in the cafeteria. He understood kids, but he kept us in line. I think of him often when I stand before my own students. AND, I still know the Gettysburg Address....thanks to Mr. Hunsicker! He was a good man.

Darlene Hock

April 1, 2012

Mr. Hunsicker was one of my favorite teachers at NAJHS, 8th grade History class. He taught respect, self worth and the best History lessons you could ever learn.
I think God must have needed someone to teach the angels the Gettysburg address, when he called this great man home.
God Bless your family during this difficult time, and know that he has changed the lives of many.

Darlene (Hall) Hock

Liz (Hoffman) Mann Class of '70

April 1, 2012

My sincerest sympathies to the Hunsicker family. I too, can say that Ralph was indeed my favorite teacher. He was my 8th grade history & home room teacher. He could be as tough as nails when he had to be, but could entertain you with laughter just as easily. I saw him 20 years after I graduated and he still remembered me and events that occured back when I was in his class. He remembered catching me chewing gum in school one day, and how he made me wear it on my nose. I will always have fond memories of that "Lehighton Indian!"

Lester Snyder

April 1, 2012

To The Hunsicker Family,

I offer my prayers and sympathy on the passing of this great man.I also offer the utmost in pride that I have in him,and his life well lived.

Looking back thru an ocean of time I can see Mr Hunsicker & his Partner Mr Sieger selling lunch tickets in the old NHS Jr high,and keeping the lunch room in order. Pennsylvania History which I know Mr Hunsicker loved to teach was a blast. A strict blast, but none the less a blast! He passed me most every morning on my way to the bus in his VW bug and blew the horn.

These guys are icons at the NHS JR High as is their leader Mr Ortwein. Corporal punishment was the norm back then,and they were good at it,BUT I never received anything I didn't have coming to me,and they were above all else honest,and fair! I still call all of them MR so I know that for me it worked,and I thank them for the respect they helped instill in me!

My occupation has me traveling all over the USA,and Canada,and I never met anyone in my travels with a sharper mind than Mr Hunsicker,and it was very hard to pull anything on him,because he missed very little!

I still can name the sixtyseven counties in PA,but I'm not so sure I can recite the Gettysburg address like we had to on the auditorium stage in eighth grade. It was a magical year,and Mr hunsicker was a big part of it!

I feel a loss and an emptiness within me . I should have visited him,and compared notes while there was still time. Hindsight is 20/20 I suppose,and the loss is mine!

Again to the family may God comfort you and hold you in the palm of his hand during your loss and sorrow.

To Mr Hunsicker thank you for being my teacher and friend. There will never be another like you,and no one will ever replace you. I will see you in Heaven Godspeed on your journey!!!

Lester Snyder NHS 73

Pete Haja

April 1, 2012

Violet and Family,
Ralph helped me get started in the profession when I was a Student Teacher at Northampton and I always thought of him often during my own 34 years as a teacher. I will always remember the great advice he gave me and the helpful classroom examples he demonstrated. Robyn will always recall the funny stories he told during the four years they carpooled together. We will always remember his suggestion they "we continue our liquid refreshment at the Legion." He will always be in our thoughts.
Pete & Robyn Haja

April 1, 2012

My sincere condolences. He was my favorite teacher in NAJHS. Even today when I'm asked who my favorite teacher was I always say "Mr Hunsicker" from the Wolf Bldg in Northampton. Anita Schindler

Thomas Ortwein

April 1, 2012

The Hunsicker Family,
Please accept my most sincere sympathy with the passing of Ralph.He and I were colleagues at NAJHS . Ralph was a very good teacher who had a great sense of humor. He was demanding but fair to his students.He helped to make my responsibilities much easier by accepting duties beyond the classroom. He was a team player ! Ralph will be missed by those who knew him,especially his fellow faculty members. Due to distance I will be unable to attend his funeral however,I will remember him in my prayers.May he RIP.

April 1, 2012

What a great man and one of my favorite teachers. I was born in Lehighton, so, I had a special place in my heart for him.....My sincere condolences for your loss.

Edie (Lapp) Meixsell, Germansville, Pa.

Warnetta Bachman

April 1, 2012

He was a great man & teacher, I am so sorry for your loss. He was my teacher at Northampton, Warnetta (Lapp) Bachman

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