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Lance Eric Olsen

June 12, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Lance Eric Olsen, 52, of Hutchinson, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  He was born July 7, 1970 in Pittsburgh, son of Bonita (Popovich) Olsen and the late Edward J. Olsen.  Eric was a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School Class of '88 and earned a degree from the Johnson & Wells University Culinary Arts Institute, Rhode Island.  He was a chef for Golden Corral, Applebee's, Rocco's Inn, Ponderosa and Fishtales in Kentucky and enjoyed cooking and fishing.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brothers, Edward J. (Kristin) Olsen and John A. Olsen (Lori Moffat Sinchar); nephews, John Todd, Tyler Casey, Garrett; nieces, Rebekah Alleen and Andrea; great nephews, Cayden and Trevor.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Donations may be made to the Olsen Family, 210 Verdant Street, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642 or online at www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Sophie E. Vargo

June 11, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Sophie E. Vargo, 95, of Duquesne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The daughter of the late George and Alice (Klipa) Evkovich, she was born on July 15, 1927 in Yukon, PA. She was predeceased by her brother, Mike Evkovich and sister, Mildred Dubich.

For years, Sophie held the longest record of employment in the City of Duquesne working 52 years as a sales clerk for Sally Fashions.

She served as a Sunday school teacher for over 70 years at her beloved St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville. “Teta Sophie” - as she was known by hundreds of children - always had her kids with her on Sundays and taught them that “We don’t run from God, we run to God.” Sophie loved her church family.  Sophie was a founding member and pillar of St. Nicholas Church fundraising tirelessly in order for the church to be built in 1970. She organized the ‘Od Srce’ Committee to benefit those in need in her church and community. She also volunteered her time in fundraising and working for Shadeland Camp. Sophie deeply appreciated all those who supported these organizations and her work for them.

Her unflagging service to the church and those in need brought her many honors and events that recognized her extraordinary impact. She was presented with an Episcopal Grammata - a Certificate of Faithfulness and Dedication to the Eastern Orthodox American and Canadian Diocese. In 1981, she was the recipient of The Post Gazette Citizen of the Year Award, and she was the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Heritage Commission Award.  She also received recognition from the Commissioners of Allegheny County and the City of Duquesne for her volunteer service for the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, various nursing homes in the area, Family House and The Tamburitzans.

Sophie was known for her sharp mind and quick wit. She rarely missed a detail and loved nothing more than to enjoy a good laugh with people, often telling stories to cheer up those who were hurting.  In recent years, Sophie was helped by many who enabled her to live at home until the last several weeks of her life. On behalf of Sophie, her niece Elizabeth (Evkovich) Riddlesberger would like to thank the following - Dee Dee Baskot, Donna Vranasevic, Tom and Denise Englert and family, Birdie Fix, Carla Williamson and family, Danielle Smith and family, Janet Pribanic and family, Pat Kolar, Mary Ann Rome, Jaime Codispoti, Melissa Kochka, Mary Ann Tomich, Sava Saula, Martha Medich, Chuck and Claudia Lewicki, Bernie Cornelli and family, Mark Novakovich and family, Vic Pilipovich, and the Markoff, Klipa, Karas, Visnic, and Jovanovich families.  Your thoughtfulness and loving care meant the world to us both. May God return such kindness to you. Od Srce.

There will be no visitation.  Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery, Export, PA.   Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Jeremy George Cifra

June 07, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Jeremy George Cifra of Greensburg, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023 at home.  He was born March 23, 1982 in Greensburg a son of George Cifra and Marlene (Fallat) Cifra.  Jeremy was a graduate of Hempfleld Sr. High School and worked for Pizza Siena.  He was a very handsome, smart and charismatic man who loved fishing and canoeing.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Jamie Cifra.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving brother, Trevor Cifra.  Jeremy will truly be missed by his mother and father.  There will be no visitation.  Jeremy would want you to remember him ALIVE.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Paul R. Snyder Sr.

June 07, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Paul R. Snyder Sr., 71, of North Irwin, passed away unexpectedly in his home, Monday, June 5, 2023. He was born, September 1, 1951 in McKeesport, a son of the late Regis and Ada M. (Leonatti) Snyder. Prior to his retirement, Paul was a machinist and quality control for General Motors with 28 years of service. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed the outdoors and dedicated his life to service in the Boy Scouts Troop 251. Paul mentored hundreds of scouts for more than 25 years on their path to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout as district advancement chairman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Regis Snyder Jr. (Shari) and sister, Diane Reininger. He is survived by his wife, Arlene ( Johannes) Snyder; sons, Paul Jr., Nicholas P. and his wife Jennifer, Matthew F. and his wife, Amanda; brothers, David A. (Frances), Gary L. (Darlene), James E. (Joyce); grandchildren, Matthew Jr., Johanna, Laurel, Nicholas Jr. and Nathaniel; and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1230 Brownstown Road, Larimer, PA 15647 followed by light refreshments. Family and friends are welcome to come remember Paul. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westmoreland Fayette Council Boy Scouts of America, 2 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
 


Nadine Habura Plummer

June 06, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Nadine Habura Plummer, age 91, peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2023 at her home in Knoxville, TN with her daughter at her side. She was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Nadine was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 16, 1932 and grew up in the Forest Hills area. She graduated from Shadyside School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her compassionate and caring nature lent itself well to a nursing career as clinical instructor in various Pittsburgh hospitals and later as Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility.

On August 12, 1961 Nadine married Robert Lee “Bob” Plummer. They raised two children, Chris and Tom, and together built a life of service to the church and community. Nadine’s faith and strength were evident as she and Bob survived Tom‘s death at the age of 22, eventually encouraging other parents who had lost children through The Compassionate Friends. Nadine delighted in cooking and baking, not only serving gourmet meals for family and friends and frequently providing meals for those in need, but also volunteering in the kitchen at Meals on Wheels for 18 years and at the Greensburg, PA Christ’s Church salad bar where she had been a member. Nadine and Bob loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises all over the world with dear friends.

Following Bob’s death in 2013 Nadine relocated to Knoxville in 2018 to be close to Chris and her family. Although 86 at the time, she quickly made many friends because of the extraordinary person she was. Nadine was one of a kind, someone who put others before herself. She had a strong work ethic and was always the first to help out. She was genuine, patient, and always kind to everyone, holding her friends in high regard. Her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to many. She loved to follow sports and play board games and was a skillful conversationalist, always up on the latest news. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She was dear “Aunt Dean” to her two nieces and precious “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, Elise and Cole, keeping them well stocked with cookies and hugs.

Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Amelia (Malacky) Habura, sister, Beverly Habura, loving husband, Robert Plummer and son, Thomas Plummer. She is survived by her daughter, Christin McDaniel, (husband, Lee) of Knoxville, two grandchildren, Elise and Cole McDaniel and two nieces and their families.

Friends will be received from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  15642 and a Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m.  Interment will be private in Irwin Union Cemetery.

  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

 
 


Elvira F. Maglicco

June 05, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Elvira F. Maglicco, 97, of N. Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023. She was born October 3, 1925 in Dunbar, a daughter of the late John and Jennie (Picchoni) Crocetti. Prior to her retirement, Elvira was a sales clerk for Cox's children’s department. She was a member of Mary Mother of God, Christy Park and enjoyed cooking, baking and housekeeping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony; son, John Wayne; brothers, Angelo and Emideo; sisters, Theresa Jaworski and Virginia Gasbarro. She is survived by her son, Anthony and his wife, Patricia; daughter, Joanna Graham and her husband, Mark; brother, John (Karen), Anthony (Mary Ann); sisters, Eleanor Hoyng; Geraldine (Patrick) Corrado, Loretta Perri, Eugenia (Bob) Horwatt; daughter-in-law, Kathy Maglicco; grandchildren, Anthony (Robin) Maglicco III, Amber (Jay) Richards, Dawn (Dennis) Deitch, Keith Maglicco, Michael (Allie) Maglicco and Karrie (Don) Thomas; 4 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, N. Huntingdon. Entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Versailles. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Marlene Joyce "MJ" Shufran Stabile

May 31, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Marlene Joyce "MJ" Shufran Stabile, 73, of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at home from end-stage COPD and emphysema with her daughter, Dorey, and her Hospice Team of Treasure Bertani and Karen Onder, by her side, holding her hands. She was born April 4, 1950, in Gary, Indiana, a daughter of the late Stephen and Wilda G. (McGonigal) Shufran. Marlene was told as a teenager that she wouldn't live past the age of 25, so she lived her life being thankful for every new day she was graced with. She was blessed with a husband who was her true love, and with two children she was told she would never be able to have, who she dedicated her life to after becoming a widow at 34. Marlene proudly earned degrees from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh, she was a Financial Officer for WQED, Adtranz, and Direct Advantage Marketing, and after early retirement, she was a comforting caregiver to her mother, friends, and others who were entrusted with her care, which was the most rewarding job besides being a loving mother to her two children. Marlene always read her daily devotions, was an avid reader in general, and found enjoyable peace tending to her flowers and yard until she no longer could do so. She lived her life to the very best she could and by the Golden Rule to treat others the way you want to be treated. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rosario Stabile, and son, R. Vincent Stabile. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Dorey Stabile, her very special, Simon Alexander; her so-loved granddaughter, Ava Stabile, and her brother Timothy Shufran. There will be no visitation. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Moments Event Hall, 231 Jennie Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.

 
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Mary Ellen Berggren

May 26, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary Ellen Berggren, 75, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. 

She was born January 5, 1948 in Donora, a daughter of the late John and Mary Agnes (Kosko) Mihalic.  Mary was a graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School Class of '65 and was the social director for her classmates dinner group and social coordinator for their class reunions. 

Prior to her retirement, Mary was an assistant branch manager for Mellon Bank/Citizens Bank in Donora for 41 years.  She was a member of St. Agnes Parish where she was a Christian Mother and volunteered for Lenten fish fries.

 
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Darlene Baldridge Decker

May 23, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Darlene Baldridge Decker, 84 of North Huntingdon died May 19, 2023. She was born July 22, 1938 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Elmer and Rhoda Armstrong Baldridge. Darlene was a graduate of McKeesport High School. She enjoyed Bingo, flea markets, garage sales, shopping and camping. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent and one brother Robert Baldridge. She is survived by two sons, Vincent Decker, Jeff Decker (Christine), two daughters, Donna Oley, Amy Meinert (John), two sisters, Rosemary Buko (John), Kay Sherwin (Thomas), 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 2-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 
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Sarah "Sally" Ann Gennaro

May 22, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Sarah "Sally" Ann Gennaro, 89, of Irwin, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  She was born January 17, 1934 in Ambridge, PA, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Linden) Gibb.  Sarah was a graduate of St. Joseph Nursing School and was a registered nurse for various hospitals in the Western Pennsylvania area.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin and enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading mysteries and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.  She liked all animals and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Gennaro, and son-in-law, Roy Starr.  She is survived by her sons, Daniel P. Gennaro and his wife, Catherine, Rodger Gennaro and his wife, Janet; daughters, M. Bridget Starr, Amy Kerr and her husband, Norman; grandchildren, Gabriella, Olivia, John, Roy, Daniel, Trudy, Eleanor, Sarah, Norman, William, Megan and Amanda.  There will be no visitation.  Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Phyllis M. Valerio

May 21, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Phyllis M. Valerio, 91, of North Huntingdon ascended into heaven on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at her home. She was born August 13, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Walter and Anne Clark Parkhurst. Phyllis was a waitress at Eat'n Park. She attended West Hempfield Presbyterian Church and enjoyed ballroom dancing, bowling, entertaining and sewing.  Phyllis was a wonderful mom and a fabulous cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Valerio, one daughter, Jeryl E. Schwartz (Robert),  two brothers, Walter (Vinita) Parkhurst  and Jessie Donald (Joann) Parkhurst, one sister, Lois (Rich) Godec. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Y. Colchagie (Robert), son, Paul J. Neff (Sharon), one sister, Annette Potts (Ronald), 5 grandchildren, Matthew Neff (Kim), Jonathan Neff (Sarah), Keriann Neff (Jason), Kaishia Ieraci, Aaviele Ieraci, four great-grandchildren Arlo, Luca, Ty and Lilly. Friends will be received at the Refuge Church in Manor on Saturday, May 27 from 9:30-10 a.m. at which time a service will be begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be private in Brush Creek Cemetery. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfunerahome.com.

 


Beverly A. Beasley Minerva

May 20, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Beverly A. Beasley Minerva, 84 of McKeesport died May 19, 2023, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was born June 6, 1938, in Connecticut, a daughter of the late Timothy and Elizabeth O'Koverick Hawes. Prior to her retirement, Bev was a salesclerk for Pat's Hallmark and a customer service representative for MEDCO. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Gene Minerva, daughters, Suzanne and Karen Ann Beasley. She is survived by her step grandchild, Nicholas Minerva. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Beverly H. Krieger

May 10, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Beverly H. Krieger, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Greensburg Care Center.  She was born September 16, 1933 in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late Clyde and Anna (Myers) Hails.  Beverly was a member of the Armbrust Wesleyan Church, Armbrust and enjoyed shopping.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Krieger; brother, Hubert Hails, and sister, Lucille Hindman.  She is survived by her nephew, Mark Hails; nieces, Beverly Hindman, Lana Dudash, Penny Purnell and Pam Proudfil.  There will be no visitation.  Private interment in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Margaret Blanche Whitehead

May 10, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Margaret Blanche Whitehead, 98, of Florida, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023.  She was born May 3, 1925 in Irwin, a daughter of the late Elmer E. and Emily B. (Kunkle) Whitehead.  Prior to her retirement, Margaret was a graphic arts manager for Rust Engineering/Wheelabrator Technologies.  She was a former member of Norwin Alliance Church, member and president of In-Plant Management Association, AARP, Good Sam Club and International Institute of Reflexology and a lifelong children and youth worker in numerous churches.  She is survived by her sister, Corrine Whitehead.  There will be no visitation and interment will be private in Irwin Union Cemetery.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Evelyn L. Bogdan

April 29, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Evelyn L. Bogdan, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 at William Penn Care Center. She was born July 3, 1934 in Duquesne, a daughter of the late Paul and Laura (Mackowick) Janusek, Evelyn was a member of St. Agnes Parish and enjoyed traveling with her husband, Eugene, tending to her plants and garden and going to garage sales and flea markets. Evelyn will always be remembered for her beautiful bright blue eyes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Bogdan. She is survived by her son, Jeff Bogdan and his wife, Virginia; daughter, Lori Vidra and her husband, Michael; brother, Richard (Kristine) Janusek; and two granddaughters who called her Ga Ga, Anna and Lara Vidra. Friends will be received Thursday from 10-11 a.m. followed by a blessing service at 11 a.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com