Augustine “Gus” J. Kappes Jr., 79, formerly of Catasauqua, died Dec. 30, 2018, at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. He was the husband of Roseann (Konye) Kappes for 56 years.

Born in Catasauqua, he was a son of the late Augustine J. Sr. and Angela Mary (Heigl) Kappes.

He was an art and design teacher in the Easton Area School District for 39 years before his retirement.

He was a finalist in the NASA Teacher in Space program and was awarded the Outstanding Educators of America Award.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Mark D. and his wife Lisa; a sister, Barbara Kappes Bartholomew; and two grandsons, Jacob “Jake” Kappes and Luke Kappes. He had many “adopted” sons and daughters, especially Mike MacLaughlin, Frank and Francine Schlofer and Michael Muschko.

He was predeceased by a brother, James D. Kappes.

Contributions may be made to the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, c/o ICU, CVICU and the 3 West Cardiac Care Unit, 3360 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410.

Arrangements were made by Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., Catasauqua.