Photo courtesy of Reichel Funeral Home - Northampton
Jun 29, 1938 - Feb 20, 2026
I just saw the obituary for Reds. He worked with my dad, Roy Diehl, at the Morning Call garage. I have many fond memories of Reds when I would visit the garage as a kid. He was always happy and joking around with my brother and me. God Bless.
Lori Lindenmuth
March 20, 2026 | Whitehall, PA
Have a lot of great memories of Phillip when we were children. Get to get together at our grandparents house and our house when we lived on the farm. Always liked being with him. Rest In Peace cousin❤
Veronica Weiss
February 27, 2026 | Girdletree, MD | Family
Reds was a great personality!! My dad “inherited”Reds at the morning call garage conscientious hard worker, remember the many times he had to put chains on the trucks in order to get the papers out. In later years he had a bus route that went by my house he always tooted the horn and yelled theres Mark now. Memories hold on to them soon enough that is all you will have..
Mark Ackerman
February 26, 2026 | Allentown
To all the Gessner Family
Sending my sincere condolences to all of you May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Janet Hersh
February 26, 2026 | Breinigsville, PA | Friend
I returned to work after Phil's viewing. I was in my bus and about to leave the parking lot, when mechanic driving bus 67 passed in front of me. 67 was Phil's bus number. This is Phil's way of saying he is still with us! "Six Seven Here!"
Ronald Green
February 26, 2026 | PA | Friend
From Lizzy Landis. Sorry and God Bless.
Becky Landis
February 25, 2026 | Allentown, PA | Friend
Dad,
Heaven has certainly gained another beautiful Angel the day God sent you home, you earned your wings to fly high & watch over all of us. We all know you're resting peacefully & not in pain anymore.
We Love you & Miss you so much
Barbara Marinkovits
February 24, 2026 | Whitehall, PA | Daughter
I worked with Reds at the Morning Call. Always cheerful with a good sense of humor. He used to call me Alsie, the only one who ever did. My condolences to all his family.
Alan Weaver
February 24, 2026 | Mims, FL | Coworker
Lottie, Liz Landis sends her condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and friend.
Shirley Fenstermaker
February 24, 2026 | Macungie, PA | Acquaintance
Philip R. “Reds” Gessner, 87, of Whitehall, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg. Born June 29, 1938 in Allentown, he was a son of the late Albert and Pauline (Diehl) Gessner. He was married to Lottie (Ruch) Gessner, with whom he celebrated 69 years of Marriage. He worked as an auto/truck mechanic at The Morning Call for 44 years. In addition, he was employed as a school bus driver for the Parkland School District for 42 years. Philip was a life member of the Fullerton Fire Co.
Survivors: In addition to his wife; son, Richard P. Gessner; daughters, Barbara Marinkovits and husband, Edward, Bonnie Patrick and husband, William; grandchildren, Jason, Todd (Julie), Chad (Sarah), Adam, Megan (Ralph); great-grandchildren, Dylan (Sarah), Maggie, McKenna, Asher; great great grandson, Alex; sister, Pearl Schantz and husband Richard; several nieces and nephews. A sister, Ruth Frack preceded Philip in death.
Services: Family and friends may call on Thursday, February 26th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. Online condolences may be submitted below.
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