August 09, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Earl J. McElhinny, age 87 of Buena Vista, Pa died August 8, 2020 in Mercy Hospital. He was born May 30,1933 in McKeesport, Pa., a son of the late James and Elizabeth Griffin McElhinny. Earl was the owner/operator of McElhinny Barns and Landscaping. He was a member of the Holy Family Church in West Newton where he sang in the church choir, and helped at spaghetti dinners. He enjoyed attending Steeler camps. Earl was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during Korea. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry and one brother James. He is survived by his daughter, Lori Pappalardo (Christopher), sister in law, Pat McElhinny, three sisters, Sister Betty McElhinny ( Sister Elizabeth), Sister Mary Theresa McElhinny (Sister Vivian), Florence Kane, daughter in law, Julie McElhinny, 6 grandchildren, Justin, Eric Brandon, Bryce, Danny and Josh, along with nieces and nephews.
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August 08, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
George A. Bilec Jr., 77, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020 in UPMC McKeesport. He was born December 26, 1942 in Braddock, a son of the late George A. and Anna Eleanor (Zajar) Bilec. George was a graduate of Braddock High School and a member of St. Agnes Parish. Prior to his retirement, he was a control operator for Duquesne Light and a veteran of the US Army. He was an avid bowler, Pittsburgh sports fan, and ran & finished 11 Pittsburgh Marathons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Susan (Markovic) Bilec; and second wife, Wanda Bilec.
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August 08, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Alexander Michael Trocheck-Griesbaum, 24, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, August 7, 2020. He was born November 12, 1995 in Jeannette, the son of Trina Trocheck and Brandon Griesbaum. Alex was a roofer for Gary's Roofing Co., a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School Class of 2014, and enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his Pap and Mema, Gary and Marilynn Trocheck; uncle, Gary "Gee" Trocheck; stepmother, Jamie Griesbaum; fiancee, Kayla Wolf; half brother, Carter Griesbaum; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Services are private. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 03, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Willis F. O'Neil Jr. went to be with the Lord on July 30,2020. Willis was born on December 7, 1929 in Pricedale, Pa. He was the eldest son of the late Willis and Leona (Simon) O'Neil. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 38 years by General Motors Fisher Body and was a member of Local Union 544. Willis was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, the FCLSA SO77 of McKeesport, Irwin Moose Lodge 293 and a fifty year member of the FM&A Polaris Lodge. He was also a member of the Model A Restorer's Club, an avid traveler, camper and hunter. He enjoyed model trains, model planes and antique cars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Beverly; his brother, Edwin Lee; sister, Kay Otley; and his daughter Lee Ann Gramus. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years and best friend, Mary Anne O'Neil; a son, Geary Lee O'Neil; two grandsons, several nieces, nephews and his canine companions Danny Boy and Miss Poppy. Private services were held at the Belle Vernon Cemetery with Chaplain Tony Richardson-Eckers from the Allegheny Health Network officiating. A special thank you to AHN Hospice for their care and compassion. Due to COVID-19, the family will have a memorial service in the near future to celebrate Willis' life. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 30, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dolores A. Labuda, 82, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020 at her home. She was born April 7, 1938 in Latrobe, a daughter of the late George A. and Frances (Osenkowski) Labuda. Prior to her retirement, Dolores was a school teacher for the Duquesne Public Schools and later helped others through nutrition and meditation practices. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Don Labuda. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, George Paul Gans; sister, Denise King and her husband, Joe; and niece, Dianne and nephews, Dan, David and Nicolas. She will be sadly missed by family and friends and all the lives she has touched along life’s journey. There will be no visitation. Donations may be made to the White Oak No Kill Animal Shelter in memory of Dolores. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 30, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Charles Wilbur Hershey, age 91 of North Huntingdon died July 29, 2020 at his home. He was born July 28, 1929 in Madison County, Indiana, a son of the late Charles Danford and Minnie Mabel (King) Hershey. He was preceded in death by his wife Verona Zofchak Hershey; brothers, George Danford Hershey and Edward King Hershey. He is survived by a sister Martha Hershey Raugh; nephews, nieces, and countless cousins. He served with the Army Security Agency, which is now under the National Security Agency. He was stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War, and was a longtime member of the American Legion. Charles was an avid genealogist and the Hershey family historian, and loved fishing and reading. He was retired from US Steel Irvin Works and a longtime member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in N. Huntingdon, where he and his wife had been active in the youth program. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc., 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park with military honors. Please wear a mask if attending visitation or services. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 28, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Laurie A. Rinkes, 69, of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 28, 2020 at the William Penn Care Center, Penn Township. She was born May 5, 1951, to the late Thomas J. Logan Jr. and Lorraine McKinley Logan in Cincinnati, OH. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Richard Rinkes.
She is survived by her two sons, Daniel and his wife Katherine “Katie”, of Frederick, MD, Brian, and his wife Alicia, of North Huntingdon; adoring grandchildren Nathan, Aubrey, Julia, and Emilia; two brothers, Thomas J. Logan III of Worcester, MA, Xavier Logan of Redondo Beach, CA; and sister, Colleen Elles and her husband Ed Elles of Ardmore, OK.
While her children were school age, Laurie was a tireless volunteer at St. Agnes School, serving as a teacher’s assistant, cafeteria worker, playground monitor and librarian. Subsequently, she moved on to a career as a purchasing agent for a local company, and continued to volunteer at the St. Agnes/St. Vincent DePaul Society food bank. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, in Irwin. In recent years, her grandchildren, who called her “Gigi”, were her passion. She continued to support charities that were close to her heart.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Immaculate Conception Church with Father John Moineau as celebrant. Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
July 28, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Emma Jean Pilipovich, 94, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2020. She was born October 13, 1925 in Irwin, a daughter of the late Earl and Elizabeth (Bender) Gongaware. Emma Jean was a former member of the Norwin Art League, was an avid seamstress and loved to read. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Pilipovich; son, Jack Proctor; brothers, James and Earl "Butch" Gongaware; and sisters, Helen Humphries and Eileen Plesniak. She is survived by her son, George Pilipovich and his wife, Cindy; daughters, Penny Pilipovich and her fiance, Bob Campbell, Marcy Burgess and her husband, Jim; daughter-in-law, Linda Proctor; and two grandchildren, Pam Pilipovich and A.J. Bergman. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwin Public Library. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 25, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jill L. Mattey, 65, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 surrounded by her loving family, at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. She was born August 24, 1954 in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late George and Luella (Taylor) Opalenik. Jill was a nurse’s assistant and later retired from Westmoreland County as a switchboard operator. She was a member of Norwin Christian Church. She closely followed politics, enjoyed shopping, going out to eat with friends, and taking vacations with her family. She is survived by her son, John Mattey and his wife, Kristy; daughters, Jennifer Mattey-Limppo and her husband, Barry, Jaclyn Dogrul and her husband, Adam; brothers, Peter (Linda) Opalenik, Michael (Mary) Opalenik, George (Sandy) Opalenik; and five grandchildren, Azrael, Adam, Mason, Logan and Blake; and former husband, John “Duke” Mattey. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Olive Branch Cemetery, Belle Vernon, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 23, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James Thomas Ferranti. 78 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 with his wife and daughters by his side. James was born on June 14, 1942 and resided in Quebec, Canada until he was adopted by an America Family at the age of ten. James overcame many challenges throughout life.
His American roots grew strong starting from the moment he stepped foot onto American soil. Learning the English language, becoming a US Citizen and becoming one of the most Patriotic Americans ever. His Patriotism went so deep that he chose to serve in the American Army. He served from March 1964 to July 1964 and served five years in the US Army Reserves. James lived most of his childhood years in Masontown, PA with his Guardians from the Ferranti Family.
He was a 1962 alumnus of Father Kolb Memorial High School, Masontown, PA. In 1970 after serving his Country, James met the love of his life, Gloria Jean (Molinaro) Ferranti who he married in 1971 and shared a life with for 49 years. James and Gloria have two daughters: Kimberly Jean Ferranti of North Huntington, PA and Jamie Lynn (Ferranti) Shuster and her spouse Chris Shuster of Butler, PA and four grandchildren: Samantha Shuster, Alexander Shuster, Sydney Shuster and Jordan Shuster.
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July 22, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Roberta A. (Regan) Veverka, 74, of North Huntingdon passed away at her home on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She was born May 29, 1946, in Braddock, a daughter of the late Robert and Agnes (Suprek) Regan. Roberta attended St. James Lutheran Church, Ligonier and was a former member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, North Huntingdon. She loved to bake, watching baseball and listening to music. She is survived by her husband, Ronald R. Veverka; son, Robert Veverka and his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Roni A. Johnson; and three loving grandchildren, Ryan and Claire Veverka and Dannon M. Johnson. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 22, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Carol L. Ackerman, 67, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was born October 17, 1952 in McKeesport, PA the daughter of the late Carl L. Ackerman Sr., and the late Jean Claire Magee Ackerman Rodman. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters, Merry (David) Singler and Lisa (Quinton) Ackerman-Wimbs.
Prior to her retirement, Carol was a registered nurse and worked 25 years at UPMC Braddock and the last 14 1/2 years at UPMC McKeesport as a clinician. Carol obtained her basic nursing degree at CCAC South in 1979, her Bachelor's degree in nursing from California University of Pennsylvania in 2005, and her Master's Degree in Nursing Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007. Carol was also a Certified Medical Surgical Nurse and Certified Gerontology Nurse. Carols was the Chemo Trainer to Trainer on her unit and taught CPR. She was an advocate for the patients for preventing skin breakdown. She published an article titled "Not on my Watch-Preventing Skin Breakdown" in Med/Surg Nursing. She also published a book titled "Chemotherapy for the Medical-Surgical Nurses". Carol was also featured on the cover of Med/Surg Nursing administering chemotherapy to one of her patients. Carol received the Clinical Leadership Award from the Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing in 2011.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, N. Huntingdon and loved to travel to her favorite spots, especially Disney World and taking Disney cruises. Carol was a veteran of the US Army, where she served in Alabama, Missouri and Kansas. She was the first area married woman to join the US Army in 1973 while married to the John A. Orbin. In her memory, her grandson, Lucas Ackerman will receive her flag after the 21 gun salute.
Carol was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two best friends; daughter, Dr. Bethany L. Ackerman; and grandson, Lucas G. Ackerman who were her pride and joy. She was so proud of Bethany when she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in 2018. Lucas was her best friend and advocate while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatments and surgical procedures. He always made her laugh and was truly her “best buddy”. Both were her strongest supporters and were there when she was going through cancer treatments. She is also survived by her two beloved dogs, Skyler and Mickey.
Carol is also survived by her eleven siblings, Linda Penn, Harry (Rosalinda) Ackerman, Patricia (Thomas) Maldonado, Carl (Denise) Ackerman Jr., Allen (Emma) Ackerman, Perry (Donna) Ackerman, Irene Alvarez, Bruce Ackerman, Kathy McNelis, Glenn (Frank), and Roberta (Jon) Rodman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Our thanks to Carol's PCP Dr. John Smith, her oncologist Dr. Sarah Taylor and the UMPC Magee Gyn/Oncology and Cancer Center for the excellent care she received. We would like to thank Dr. Grace Campbell and Teal Hearts Network (Ovarian Cancer Support Group) for the support and encouragement she received during her illness. Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. The funeral service is private for family members only. Interment will take place in Irwin Union Cemetery on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. In honor of Carol and her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, she has requested that attendees wear teal clothing, if possible. I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. IITimothy 4:7 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany and Lucas Ackerman. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 17, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James E. Peddicord, 65 of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at his home. He was born, November 26, 1954 in Pittsburgh, son of Catherine (Artman) Peddicord and the late Louis Peddicord. Jim was a member of St. Agnes Parish and loved singing in the choir. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan and enjoyed fishing in Erie, singing karaoke, spending time with his family and especially eating sweets. In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Jack and Mike; sister-in-law, Laurie Peddicord; and nephew, Mike. He is survived by his brothers, Louie (Karen), John, Kenwood, Sam (Laurie), Mick and Steve (Rena); sisters, Linda Proctor, Debbie Constantine, Kate Hawk and JoAnn Brugnoli; aunt, Mary Pogel; Goddaughter, Pilar Swankler; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
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July 11, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James M. Minarchin, age 77, of Dauberville, Pa., formerly of White Oak, died July 10, 2020 at the Hershey Medical Center. He was born March 26, 1943 in Duquesne, Pa., a son of the late Michael and LaVerne Pilcher Minarchin. James was a member of the Glad Tidings Church, Wyomissing, Pa. Prior to his retirement he was employed as an outside machinist at Carpenter Technology and formerly employed by U.S. Steel in Duquesne. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Korea. Jim enjoyed bike riding and was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren . He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Robert Minarchin. He is survived by his wife, Bonita Wiles Minarchin; three daughters, Lori Gergley (Ronald), Lisa Minarchin, Linda Werner; one sister Sharon Patrick; 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Seth, Angelina, Madison, Riley, Ariana; 5 great-grandchildren, Jayce, Aiden, Xander, Roman and Colton. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment 2:30 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 06, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Barbara Ann Fairbaugh, age 93 of North Huntingdon formerly of Liberty Boro died July 6, 2020, She was born May 26, 1927 in Wall, Pa , where she grew up. She was the daughter of the late Pete and Frances Yunitz Hurwatic. Throughout her life, Barbara was employed as a waitress at various restaurants including Stratigos, The Bellmont, Club Car and the White Elephant. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, shopping and fine shoes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James F. Fairbaugh and 6 brothers and sisters.
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