Robert C. Niehoff

Robert C. Niehoff, 78, of 140 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, a former Palmerton borough councilman, died July 28 in Palmerton Hospital. He was the husband of the late Frances G. (Hendricks) Niehoff. He was a laborer in the maintenance department of the Black & Decker Co., Allentown, for 30 years before retiring in 1987. Previously, he worked in the body shops of the Kovatch Auto, Hamm Chevrolet and Stemler Buick dealerships and for the former New Jersey Zinc, Palmerton. Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Frederick and Ruth (Smith) Niehoff and a stepson of Hedwig (Kurtz) Niehoff. He was a member of Living Hope Lighthouse Church, Palmerton. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a shipfitter 2nd class. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors; AmVets Elwood Miller Post 106, Lehighton, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7134 and American Legion Post 269, both of Palmerton. He delivered for Meals on Wheels, Palmerton, and played baritone in the Lehighton Men's Band. He was a life member of the Lehighton Fire Company and a member of the American Red Cross Council and Lehigh Gap Historical Preservation Society. Survivors: Son, Richard D. O'Brian of Jamul, Calif.; daughters, Ruthie Dottery and Pamela Lesher, both of Palmerton, Beverly Cobb of Antheim, Ariz.; brothers, Wilbur Niehoff of Lehighton, Luther Niehoff of Kingstowne, Va., John Fasching of Fullerton, William Fasching of Fort Ashby, W.Va., Richard Fasching of Bath; sister, Hedwig Rex of Lehighton; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sons, David L. O'Brian and Robert C. Niehoff Jr. Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Campton Funeral Home, 525 Delaware Ave., Palmerton. Call 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday and 10-11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Contributions: Lehighton Men's Band.