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Robert H. Blasko

September 27, 2023 |

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

Robert H. Blasko, 91 of North Huntingdon died September 27, 2023 at his home. He was born April 3, 1932 in Bradenville, Pa, a son of the late Andrew and Helen Blasko. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Elliot Company as a Tool & Die Maker. He was a member of St, Agnes Church where in sang in the choir, He enjoyed woodworking. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, George and Andrew Blasko. He is survived by his wife Marcella Jugan Blasko, son Robert D. Blasko, daughter Debra Mainiero (Richard), and Diane Blasko one grandchild Daniel. Two brothers Charles (Pat) and Byron (Pat) Blasko. Friends will be received on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2-6 pm at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral mass will be held on Monday at a time to be announced at St. Agnes Church with interment to follow at South Versailles Cemetery, Coulter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Marjorie "Marge" R. Gongaware-Samios

September 26, 2023 |

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

Marjorie "Marge" Gongaware-Samios, 82, of Irwin, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and wife, born October 1, 1940 passed away September 2, 2023 in Florida after a lengthy illness of cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marie Gaskell, and son, Gregory. She is survived by her husband, Nicholas Samios who took good care of her during her illness; children, Lori (Ken) Cipra, Renee (John) Leszczynski, Tom Gongaware and Kristen Gongaware (Rob Droppa). Grandchildren, Carolyn (John) Lindsey, Kenny Cipra, Derek (Amy) Gongaware, Damon Gongaware, Madison (Hunter) Gongaware-Stape, Jaden Gongaware and Hannah (Dustin) Pealstrom; great-grandchild, Landen Whitt.

Marge graduated from Irwin High School and became a homemaker and raising her family. She was Catholic by faith and a former member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin. She decided to pursue a career and become a real estate agent for many years until she decided to join her husband Nicholas as owner/operator of Jiffy Print until selling the business and returning to the real estate market as a mortgage broker for many decades before retiring and spending winters in Florida. She loved to read, cook, shop and go boating on occasions. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 with Pastor Glenn Meyers officiating a service at 3:30 p.m.

www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Denise "Dee" R. Parry

September 25, 2023 |

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

Denise "Dee" R. Parry, 64, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023. She was born November 22, 1958 in Carnegie, a daughter of the late John E. Cavey III and Priscilla L. (Bradley) Cavey. Denise was a florist for Gongaware and Parry Florist. She enjoyed gardening, floral design, baking and boating. She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Jeff Parry; daughter, Brandi Crissman and her husband, Evan; sons, Daniel Hawk and his wife, Kim, Justin Parry and his wife, Andrea, Zachary Parry and his wife, Dawn; brothers, Dwayne Cavey (Ramona), Scott Cavey (Terrie), grandchildren who she loved dearly, Ayden, Addasyn, Brandi and Marissa. The Parry and Crissman Families would like to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Hospice and The Village of Penn Wood for their compassionate care of Denise.  Services are private. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Dee. Arrangements by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

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Sara Ann Kania Greyno

September 25, 2023 |

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

Sara Ann (Kania) Greyno, 46, of Irwin, passed away in her sleep, Thursday afternoon, September 21, 2023.  She was born February 25, 1977 in McKeesport, a daughter of David Kania and the late Emily (Cheke) Kania. Sara earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pittsburgh and was a member of St. Sava Orthodox Church, McKeesport.  She enjoyed visiting Cape May, Disney, watching Star Wars and cooking like her late mother.  She was an avid Steelers fan and enjoyed listening to music, especially Cold Play.  In addition to her mother, Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Victor Greyno.  She is survived by her son, Cameron Thomas Greyno; brother, David A. Kania II; many nieces, nephews, family and friends; and her fur bubbies, Angel and Clark.  Friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Funeral service and interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cameron Greyno for his college fund or a charity of your choice in Sara's name.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Britton Watts Jr

September 24, 2023 |

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

Britton Watts Jr., 88 of North Huntingdon passed away September 24, 2023 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh.  He was born February 19, 1935 in McKeesport, son of the late Britton and Jean Stauffer Watts.  Britton retired from US Steel Mon Valley Works with 36 years of service. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting and piloting his airplane.  He is survived by his wife Mary Belle Ewart Watts and his son Alan Watts.  Services are private.  Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Robert James "EZ" Etherington

September 21, 2023 |

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

Robert James "EZ" Etherington, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023. He was born June 4, 1947 in Swissvale, Pa., a son of the late Robert Etherington and Mary "Sally" (McMichael) Etherington Siarto. Prior to his retirement, Bob was a meter reader for Allegheny Power and a veteran of the US Army having served during Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and gardening. Bob was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan. He loved spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Konner Robert Piper and brother, James Etherington. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Alexander) Etherington; son, David and his wife, Trisha; daughters, Cheryl Piper and her husband, Stephen, Julie Michalski and her husband, Jason; brother, William (Pamela) Etherington; sisters, Carol McBroom, Joanne Martin (Dick); sister-in-law, Judy Etherington; grandchildren, Kody, Kole (Jaylene) and Kennedy Piper, Jadeyn and Josey Michalski, Aleecia and Chase Etherington. Friends will be received Monday 2-6 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to his family , 11346 Seminole Drive, North Huntingdon, Pa 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Lois "Marcelle" Gebhardt Shepherd LaBuda

September 20, 2023 |

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

Lois "Marcelle" Gebhardt Shepherd LaBuda

Marcelle went to be with our Lord on the evening of Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at her residence in Venice Florida. She was surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on January 4th, 1936 as one of eight daughters to the late Carl and Evelyn (Downing) Gebhardt in McKeesport, PA.  Marcelle was a former tax collector for Coulter, PA in the early 1960's. She obtained her Nursing Degree in 1975, and worked for Westmoreland Hospital, Venice Hospital Florida, Dr. Edward Freeman, and Tampico Nursing Home, also of Florida, caring for thousands of patients before retiring in 1997.  Marcelle enjoyed music, singing, playing bass and classical guitar, piano, and composing songs. She was part of a duo band called Marcelle with Art. She was "our rock star" playing bass guitar and singing while Art played the melody. The band performed in many restaurants in North Huntingdon, Greensburg and Mount Pleasant area.  Marcelle attended St. Marks Church in Venice Florida and Monroe Street Methodist in Toledo Ohio.  Her hobbies included genealogy research, playing bridge and tinkering with repair projects around the home. She was so talented, she could putty and spray paint your car!  She founded and taught the Coulter Cowgirls Baton Twirling Team in 1960. Along with Flo Mazur, they would sew every uniform and banner for the team. She also was a baton and colorguard instructor for the Circleville Green Berets and Park Terrace Pussycats in the 70's.  

Later in life, she became a world traveler and enjoyed dancing, especially polka. She loved visiting Europe and Poland so much, she visited Poland on three different occasions.  She was preceded in death by her late husband, Chester Labuda and her sons, Raymond and Joseph Shepherd, daughter-in-law Geraldine Shepherd, and her ex-husband Raymond Shepherd. She joins her sisters Dorothy Miller, Edna Gebhardt, Audrey Neal, Maragaret Pifferetti, and Thelma McNeal. She is also preceded in death by her great-grandson Frankie Angel Rivera.  Marcelle is survived by her two lovely sisters, Eileen Korinko of North Huntingdon and Kathy Boyle of White Oak, PA. As well as her daughters Michelle Skarzynski (David) of North Huntingdon, Stella Minkel (Barry), Stephanie Shepherd of White Oak, and Jean Shepherd (Todd Vandergaag) of Venice, Florida.  Also her grandchildren Julie McCarthy (Paul), Daniel Minkel (Abraham), Elaina Minkel (Enrique Rivera), Sean Brooks, Allison Minkel (Sean Grivna), Ryan Brooks, (Sarah), Dalane Vandergaag, Todd Vandergaag Jr. (Gabrielle), and Grace Skarzynski; and great-grandchildren Ronan, Maeve, and Tomás McCarthy, Emery Ann Carroll, Valerie and Ophelia Vandergaag, and Serenity Hope Brooks.  She has many beautiful nieces and nephews.  Entombment will be handled by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home at a later date.  

The family will be having a "CELEBRATION of LIFE" on Friday, September 29th, 2023 at THE LITTLE COULTERVILLE CHAPEL in COULTER PA from 1 pm to 4 pm located at 959 Tourman Street, Coulter PA 15028

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Marcelle's name to The Bigley Family Cemetery Fund c/o JoAnn Shepherd, 401 Woodall Ave, North Huntingdon PA 15642

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Cindy Yvonne Hess

September 19, 2023 |

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

Cindy Yvonne Hess, 66, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born July 3, 1957 in Braddock, a daughter of Edith "Bonnie" (Eddy) Wilson and the late Lloyd Wilson.  Prior to her retirement, Cindy was a floral designer for Shackelford's & Maxwell's Florist and later worked as a waitress for Drew's Restaurant.  She was a graduate of Scott High School Class of '75.  She enjoyed trips to the beach, especially Long Beach Island, NJ, surrounding herself with flowers and drinking coffee and her two Maine coon cats. Her favorite things were visiting lighthouses, butterflies and hummingbirds.  She is survived by her husband, Dennis J. Hess; sons, Eric Hess and his wife, Linda, Derek L. Hess and his fiancee, Kelly; brother, Lloyd D. Wilson (Debbie); sisters, Jennifer Skaris (Robert), Angela Connelly (Richard); grandchildren, Lily and Adelina Hess; and several nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Charles D. Dorsey

September 18, 2023 |

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

Charles D. Dorsey, 84, of North Huntingdon passed away Monday, September 18, 2023.  He was born November 16, 1938 in North Irwin, a son of the late Ossie and Myrtle (Franz) Dorsey.  Prior to his retirement, Charles worked as a shipper for AMI Doduco and was an avid pilot.  He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Denise (Petty) Dorsey.  Services are private.  Memorials may be made to White Oak Safe Haven Animal Shelter in memory of Charles.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Terry Chamberlain

September 16, 2023 |

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

Terry Chamberlain, 67, of Connellsville, formerly of Level Green passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  He was born May 13, 1956 in Braddock, a son of the late Emil and Bernadette (Gadagno) Chamberlain.  Prior to his retirement, Terry worked for the street department for the City of Trafford.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing and watching war movies.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James.   He is survived by his wife, Judy (Varsafsky) Chamberlain; sons, David (Erin), Steven (Stephanie), Christopher (Tina); daughter, Elizabeth (Robert); brothers, Richard (Joanne), Michael, Randy and Ronnie; sister, Amy Borling; grandchildren, Cassandra, Austin, Taylor, Gracie, Gavin, Ellie, Demi; and great-granddaughter, Carter.  There will be no visitation.  Memorials may be made to the Chamberlain Family, 315 North Arch Street, Apartment 1010, Connellsville, PA  15425.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Antonio Balestreri

September 15, 2023 |

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

Antonio Balestreri, 97, of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  He was born June 22, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Salvatore and Giovanna Balestreri.  Prior to his retirement, Antonio was a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh and a veteran of the US Navy having served during WWII.  He was an all-around handyman who enjoyed woodworking, hunting and going to the beach.  He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Bernadine (Perella) Balestreri; sons, Anthony M. Balestreri and Daniel J. Balestreri and his wife, Kristen; grandchildren, Dominic (Ashley) and Mario.  There will be no visitation.  Private interment in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh.  Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Antonio.   Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Florence L. Anderson

September 14, 2023 |

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

Florence L. Anderson, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. She was born January 3, 1950 in Monroeville, a daughter of the late Wendell E. and Eunice (Hoak) Hager. Prior to her retirement, Florence was a data entry clerk for MSA. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and camping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Anderson. She is survived by her son, Victor Anderson and his wife, Julia; brothers, Charlie (Stephanie) Hager, Don (Linda) Hager; grandchildren, Aubrey, Deklyn, Bo and Zoe. Services are private. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Bernard M. Oriss

September 14, 2023 |

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

Bernard M. Oriss, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  He was born March 26, 1934 in North Braddock, a son of the late Michael and Marie (Takosky) Oriss.  Prior to his retirement, Bernie was a school teacher for Woodland Hills School District where he taught Social Studies and History.  During the summers, he coordinated school picnics for Kennywood Park for 39 years and was awarded twice for P.S.E.A. Teacher of the Year at Swissvale High School/Woodland Hills.   He was a veteran of the US Air Force having served during the Korean War and a member of St. Agnes Parish.  He was the coach and athletic director for Scott High School, North Braddock, assistant coach of golf and was inducted into the East Boro Hall of Fame for Basketball and Baseball.  Bernie enjoyed golfing, gardening and attending events for his grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Oriss. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie Oriss; son, Timothy Oriss and his wife, Carol; daughter, Karen Oravitz and her husband, Ken; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sabrina) Oriss and Andrew Oriss, Natalie and Bradley Oravitz; sister-in-law, Lois Oriss; and nieces, Lisa (Troy) Sands and Amy (Jonathan) Oriss.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Gary Kenneth Patterson

September 11, 2023 |

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

Gary Kenneth Patterson, 87, of Irwin passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 at Hempfield Manor, Greensburg. He was born October 25, 1935 in Ardara, a son of the late Charles and Margaret (Confer) Patterson. Prior to his retirement, Gary was a high voltage lab technician for Westinghouse and was a veteran of the US Navy having served during the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31). After retirement Gary continued working as a pastor in Confluence and Butler. He enjoyed golfing and loved playing and watching basketball and playing pool. Gary coached NCAA boys basketball and volunteered for the Norwin Youth Commission. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell, Raymond, and Edwin; and sisters, Elaine and Linda. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Phyllis (Wagner) Patterson; daughters, Pamela Williams and her husband, David, Debra Hoover and her husband, Lester; sister, Cheryl Lenhart; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Davis, Hannah Williams, Haley (Joshua) Porter; and great-granddaughter, Allyssa Sue Davis. There will be no visitation.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Jeffrey Harnett

September 11, 2023 |

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

Jeffrey Harnett, 70, of North Huntingdon formerly of Hadley, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023. He was born November 25, 1952 in Greenville, PA, a son of James Harnett and the late Nancy (McManigle) Harnett. Prior to his retirement Jeff was a cytotechnologist for University Health Center of Cleveland and a veteran of the US Army having served during the Vietnam Era. He enjoyed hunting, grain farming, truck and tractor pulling, visiting wineries and traveling. In addition to his father, Jeff is survived by his companion, Deborah Daerr Ackerman; son, Chad Harnett (Sarah Walsh); brother, Jim Harnett (Paula); sister, Melissa Ustik (Gary); grandchildren, Riley and Nolan; niece, Andrea Harnett (John). Also survived by Dale and Tarah Ackerman, Bill and Veronica Daerr, Robert and Diana Daerr, and Constance Daerr. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.  An additional memorial service will be held at a later date in Sheakleyville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All But Furgotten Animal Rescue or your favorite animal rescue shelter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com