Philip C. Nastasee, age 85, of Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown PA, died June 19, 2007 of kidney failure at his residence. He is the husband of Joyce R. (Dorney) Nastasee.

Born in Hazelton PA, November 25, 1921, he is the son of the late Frank D. and Rose (Rentz) Nastasee. Philip graduated from Hazleton High School on June 16, 1939 and moved to the Bethlehem area with his family in search of a better standard of living. His father, Frank D., operated a barber shop in Hellertown directly across the street from what is now Bradford Wagner's law office. Mr. Nastasee obtained employment as a Machine Operator with the Bethlehem Steel Co. before the war and, later, as a File Clerk after the war, working in several capacities for over 30 years until his retirement.

He served this country honorably as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force during World War II in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theatres, and towards the end of the war in the 30th Infantry Division of the Army during the historic Battle of the Bulge. One of the high points of Philip's service was an arranged reunion in London with his brother, Frank, a Paratrooper, courtesy of the American Red Cross. He was proud that his other brother, Anthony, also served during the war on a Merchant Marine ship.

Philip Nastasee is a long-time Member of Church of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown PA. He is also a Member of the Dewey Fire Company; the Hellertown Senior Citizens; and St. Bernard's, Bethlehem. Philip thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years (especially being waited on by his loving wife, Joyce- - his favorite phrase was "Joyce, get me a beer!"). He was fiercely proud of his second generation Italian-American heritage, loved Italian food with a passion, and especially savored his sardines, an Italian salad, pepperoni and a tasty piece of provolone cheese. Not a big TV watcher, except for the news, Philip eagerly poured through the daily newspaper headlines, especially during the past several years when he did not get out of the house much. Because Philip was very gregarious, when family and friends came by to visit, they would often talk for hours! He was also very excited to become a Grandfather when his only Grandchild, Elizabeth, was born. He cared for her deeply.

In addition to his loving Wife of 59 plus years (their 60th wedding anniversary will be celebrated on November 8th of this year), he is survived by his Son, Dr. Philip A. Nastasee and his wife Susan (Stacy) of Bethlehem PA; Daughter, Rosemary A., wife of James A. Goldstein of Brentwood TN; Brothers, Frank P. and his wife Bernadine M. of Bethlehem PA and Anthony and his wife Elizabeth F. (Betty) of Hellertown PA; and Granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Goldstein of Brentwood, TN, who is the joy of his life. He is predeceased by his Son, Mark G. Nastasee (03/16/2003); and younger Sister, Antonette, who passed away in childhood.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the Dewey Fire Company for the numerous trips they made to the family home and the respectful manner in which their staff always treated Mr. and Mrs. Nastasee. The family would also like to thank the staff of Saucon Valley Manor in Hellertown for the countless acts of kindness and unselfishness of which Mr. Nastasee was the recipient, all of which made the final year of his life more pleasant. Special thanks to Lois Apple, Betsy Watson, Dr. Albert Alicia and Dr. Linda Augelli-Hodor, for everything you did.

Family and Friends are invited to call 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 326 Main Street, Hellertown followed by a funeral mass at 9:30 a.m. at the Church, 1408 Easton Road, Hellertown. The interment will conclude services at Union Cemetery of Hellertown.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in Philip's name to the Dewey Fire Company, 502 Durham Street, Hellertown PA 18055 and/or St. Theresa's Church, 1408 Easton Road, Hellertown PA 18055 and/or Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Main Street, (where his wife is a long-time Member), Hellertown PA 18055.