Russell Parsons, 82, Founded Bethlehem Township Bull Dogs

Russell D. Parsons, of Forks Township, died Monday at St. Luke's Hospital's Andersen Campus. He was 82.

Born March 12, 1931 in Easton, he was the son of the late Russell and Josephine (Clark) Parsons.

Parsons graduated Easton High School in 1949, attended Penn State and was in sales most of his life. He played varsity football for Easton under Coach Bob Rute and helped found of the Bethlehem Twp. Bull Dogs. He also a co-founded the local Kidney Foundation and was an avid New York Giants fan.

He was a member of Schoeneck Moravian Church, Nazareth; the Varsity E Club and Easton YMCA.

Parsons is survived by his wife of 10 years, the former Loraine Schoeneberger; three sons: Joseph Parsons and his wife Audria of Palmer Township; Russell Parsons of Lebanon, NJ; John Parsons and his wife Jenni of Forks Township; a daughter: Pamela Lutz of Forks Township; 3 step-children: Anthony Kraemer of Chesapeake, VA; Allene Rampulla and her husband Michael of Bethlehem; Beth Ann Schlieper of Lakewood, CO; 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife: the former Sally Musumeci in 1989.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday in Schoeneck Moravian Church, 316 N. Broad St., Nazareth with visitation from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 14th and Northampton Sts., Easton and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorials contributions can be made to Schoeneck Moravian Church, 316 N. Broad St., Nazareth, PA 18064. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com