Gary E. Fillman

Gary E. Fillman passed away on May 13, 2025 at home surrounded by loved ones. Gary Ernst "Bubbles" (Bubs) Fillman, 90, was born to Ernest and Pauline (Brong) Fillman on September 23, 1934 in Allentown, PA residing in the Lehigh Valley for his entire life. The majority of his life was spent with his soul mate, Vera Evelyn (Nonnemacher) Fillman of Hosensack, PA, married for greater than 65 years prior to his passing. They remained the longest at their home on Macungie Ave remodeling the old town Haunted House for many years and was home to one of the largest maple trees in town. Here is where they raised their three children, David, Michele Miller, and Eric, all of whom were required to get a "sheepskin", that neither of them attained choosing to rather be blue collar laborers, building a family and home. Gary's work ethic was impeccable, instilling it in his children, working at the former Lehigh Safety Shoe, J&J Floor Maintenance, and eventually finished his career at the EPSD employed as a Custodian for over 25 years, retiring in 1996. This was followed by his second career working his way up the ranks of former East Penn Bank to Operations Manager but finally retiring in 2007. He was drafted into the Army in 1956, serving overseas in Europe in France and traveling to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy while seeing the sites often via many a local bar with his dear friends, Carl Frederick and Joseph McCarthy, to name a few. He always spoke fondly of his days in the Army. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving as a Council Member, Usher, and Custodial advisor for many years. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, playing checkers and cards with his kids, watching Johnny Carson, and old war movies. His family, especially his three children, were grateful for him always providing support; sometimes working multiple part-time jobs, his work ethic, integrity, love and support of the military, and his love of old music. He was an active member of the Macungie Band for many years playing the clarinet. He was well known for his dance moves on the dance floors at many a wedding where he showed all the jitterbug, etc from times long past. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Vera, three children, David and wife Kathy, Michele Miller and husband Kevin, Eric and wife Faith, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Services: Memorial 11 AM Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm Street, Emmaus. A visitation will be held from 9:30-11 AM Wednesday in the funeral home. Interment to follow at Emmaus Moravian Cemetery, www.BKRFH.com In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lehigh County Humane Society, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Gary E. Fillman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.