December 12, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mark Edward Strait, age 70 of Widnoon (Chickasaw), Armstrong County, PA; formerly of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on December 10, 2024 after a long, hard battle with cancer. He was born in McKeesport on September 4, 1954, a son of the late John W. Strait and Madeline K. (Marks) Strait of West Mifflin, formerly of Huntingdon County. Mark was a graduate of West Mifflin South, Class of 1973. He spent his entire career in the automotive industry working for various dealerships as an autobody technician until his retirement. Mark is a life member of the Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department in North Huntingdon, and served as both chief and president before moving north to fulfil his dream of building his own home in the country. Mark loved a good laugh and good conversation. He was a hardworking, honest person who was not afraid to speak his mind, and he never backed down from what he thought was true and right. Later in life we would call it "giving someone a dose of MKS", as he got this quality honest from his mother who once slapped a State Trooper across the face for suggesting that Mark was lying about a traffic incident (he never saw it coming). He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marsha (Horsman) Strait, son Nathan Strait and wife Ashley also of Widnoon (Chickasaw), PA, along with four grandchildren, Ady, Zailya, Bennett, and Silvia who adored him and will miss him dearly. Mark was preceded in death by his brother John W. Strait Jr., sister-in-law Lois (Ron) Strait and brother-in-law Denny Whitcomb. Surviving are his siblings Ronald Strait of Elizabeth, PA, Cheri Kay Whitcomb of Bethel Park, Carol (Bill) Shaffer of Ohio, and Kim Kimak-Oates. Mark was also the best cat daddy to fur babies Diesel, Sammy, Susie, and Little Girl who took turns sleeping on his lap during afternoon naps. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM, and also at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 758 Main St, Rimersburg, PA on Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM with a blessing service at 5 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Mark's name to the Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Kittanning, or the Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 08, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary A. "Honey" Cottone, age 89 of North Irwin passed away December 8, 2024, at her home. She was born August 26, 1935, in Bagley, Iowa, a daughter of the late Earl and Dorothy Cramer. Honey was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin and a devoted catholic. She was a registered nurse who, throughout her life, took care of many family members. Mary enjoyed candy and chocolate. She was made of sweets; thus, her nickname was 'Honey". In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Benito V. Cottone, her beloved daughter, Ana Cottone, a sister Linda and two stepsons, Ralph and Anthony Cottone. She is survived by her best friend and grandchild, Alicia Greenawalt (Evan Anthony) and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private blessing service will be held at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 05, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
David M. Doench, age 65 of Manor, formerly of Plum died December 5, 2024. He was born December 18, 1958 in Pittsburgh a son of the late Henry J. Doench Jr. and Rosemary Gionta Doench. David was employed as a direct support professional for mentally challanged individuals. Music defined his life. He was a musician who played the guitar, bass and mandolin. He was a member of the Refuge Church in Manor. A graduate from Plum Borough High School, he was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed camping and was a Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. He is survived by his children, Dana Macioce (Jason), Michael Doench (Vanessa) and Maria Doench (Carson), one sister Victoria Hughes (Brian) and 2 grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 1-6 p.m. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment in Plum Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Refuge Church in Manor. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 05, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Marquis "Mark" Mason, age 80 of White Oak, passed away on December 4, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1943 in McKeesport, a son of the late Robert Mason and Lona Brubaker Mason. Mark was a veteran of the United States Army. Prior to his retirement, Mark was employed as a school bus driver for East Allegheny School District, and also as a sales representative for Sears with 40 years of service. Mark loved the outdoors and he enjoyed feeding the local wildlife in his yard. He was a model train enthusiast and always looked forward to hunting. In addition to his parents, Mark was preceded in death by one brother Robert Mason and one sister Kathleen Matrozza. He is survived by his beloved wife Glenna Hager Mason, one son Darren Mason (Jessica), one daughter Sheila Bickerstaff, and four grandchildren Stephen Bickerstaff, Shawn Bickerstaff, Alicia Bickerstaff, and Julie Mason (Marcus Moroney). Services will be private with interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Mark's name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 03, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Louise H. Underwood, 101, of North Huntingdon, passed away December 2, 2024, at Walden's View. She was born February 16, 1923, in White Oak PA, a daughter of the late George "Gus" Gustave and Anna J. Bock Schoeller. Prior to her retirement, Louise was an office clerk for Murphy's Home Office. Throughout her lifetime, Louise was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren She was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jack Underwood, a son, Keith E. Underwood and his wife Sharyn, two brothers, Howard and Walter Schoeller and her sister, Katherine (Schoeller) Stauffer . She is survived by two daughters, Kerry Ann Leonard and her husband, Carl, Kim Susan Nemeth and her husband, Raymond; 5 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Louise loved reading her Bible, attending Bible Study and singing old hymns. Her favorite hymn was In The Garden. A memorial service will be held Tuesday December 10 at 10 AM at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 25, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Dennis A. Moore, age 71 of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024. He was born on May 9, 1953 in McKeesport, a son of the late David "Pete" Moore Sr. and Helen "Honey" Brannagan Moore. Dennis was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church where he assisted with meal preparation. Prior to his retirement, Dennis was employed as a transportation provider for special needs adults at CLC and also as a long-time electrician. In his free time, Dennis was a drummer for his band Constellation, he was a great cook, and also a model train enthusiast and collector. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his grandson, Aaron Luke Safko. He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Petro Moore, one son Kevin Moore (Mary Beth) two daughters Kimberly Safko (Kenneth) and Jodi Telli (Rocco), and grandchildren Alexandria Bittner (Alex), Nathan Safko, Abbie Telli, Retta Telli, Grace Telli, Megan Luksik, Seth Luksik, and Zachary Moore. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Tuesday from 2-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Wednesday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dennis's name to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, or Austin's Place organization for special needs children and adults. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 23, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Russell R. Walters Jr, age 77 of North Huntingdon died November 23, 2024, at his home. He was born January 23, 1947, in Monroeville, a son of the late Russell R. and Stella Cirallo Walters Sr. Prior to his retirement, Russell was employed as a millwright for Volkswagen. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a charter fishing captain. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Daring Walters, a son, Russell Walters, daughter, Lisa Cubarney, three stepchildren, Jessica Zercher, Kristen Pritts and Richard Wigley, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon PA in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 22, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Rose M. D'Angelo, age 84 of North Huntingdon, formerly of North Braddock, passed away on November 20, 2024. She was born on September 19, 1940 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Martin Bozic and Rose Blazetic Bozic. Prior to her retirement, Rose was employed as an office manager at Gold Circle and later at Builder's Square, and also as a school bus monitor. Rose had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed observing local wildlife and was happy to feed the birds and squirrels. Rose loved her dog, Benjamin, and her cat, Kitty. She enjoyed watching a daily routine of television programs (especially Everybody Loves Raymond), going shopping, and playing card games with her best friend Debbie. Rose adored her family, and specifically cherished the time she spent with her grandkids. She loved traveling to her son's house at the beach in Delaware.
Read More
November 18, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Kenneth S. Sobek, age 75 of North Huntingdon died November 17, 2024 at the H. John Heinz III VA Hospital in Aspinwall. He was born September 25, 1949 in Braddock, Pa., a son of the late John T. and Anna M. Zayc Sobek. Ken was a member of St. Agnes Church North Huntingdon. He was a retired salesman for Cochran Automotive Group. Ken served our country in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Forrestal (CVA59) during the Vietnam War. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard D. and Bernard J. Sobek. He is survived by his beloved wife Michele A. Hawranko Sobek, two daughters, Kelley A. Wood and Jennifer S. Yavorsky, three grandchildren Colin, Cameron, Bela. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 14, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Anne Hughes Liparulo died Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 76 at Forbes Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She resided with her devoted husband of 49 years, Nicholas J. Liparulo, at their home in North Huntingdon, PA. Along with her husband, she is survived by her loving son and his wife, Matthew Liparulo and Cristina Paradelo of Connecticut; and her adoring daughter and her husband, Karen Liparulo Chasnis and Benjamin C. Chasnis of North Carolina. Anne delighted in being “Nana” to Kennedy Chasnis, Reese Chasnis, Regina Anne Liparulo and Avril Anne Chasnis.
Anne’s parents were John W. Hughes and Ruth Manning Hughes of Washington, Pa. She graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Anthropology in 1970. Shortly after, she graduated with a MS in Library Science from The University of Pittsburgh, where she met her husband. She retired from Bettis Atomic Power Lab in West Mifflin, PA, as Library Manager. She was an engaged supporter of the performing arts community in Pittsburgh and held leadership positions at the Pittsburgh CLO. She loved to travel and was an avid fan of Penn State and Steelers football.
Most importantly, Anne had a meaningful impact on those around her. She was a genuine friend and devoted wife and mother. She was an exemplar of hardwork and commitment, always putting family first. Anne was Nicholas’ biggest supporter and motivated him to be the best version of himself. She showed unconditional love to Matthew and Karen and encouraged them through childhood. Anne was incredibly proud of the adults they became. Their spouses, Cristina and Benjamin, were welcomed into the family with open arms, and she treated them like her own. Later in life, her granddaughters became her greatest joys. She taught them to value family and to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Her physical presence will be missed, but her legacy of love will remain in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Saturday, December 28, from 1-4 PM. A Memorial Service will follow at 4 PM in the funeral home chapel. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Anne’s memory to Pittsburgh CLO, 719 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or through the link https://www.pittsburghclo.org/
November 14, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Stephanie Lee Belusar, 73, of N Huntingdon, PA passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends during her final days. She was born on July 8, 1951 and was the daughter of the late Albert and Charlotte (Beondy) Josephic.
Stephanie worked for the family businesses for most of her life; Chateau Realty, Placid Manor and Charlie J’s. She was known for her work ethic, compassion, fairness and willingness to lend an ear or a hand when needed. She maintained the friendships she made for decades after Charlie J’s closed. In later years she worked for Giant Eagle, then Education Management Corporation when she retired in 2019.
Family was the thing she valued the most. She always made you feel like you were her number one priority. She would do anything for those she loved. Anytime you needed help or someone to talk to, you called Steph. Her favorite days were the ones spent with her children and the grandchildren she adored.
Stephanie was passionate about sports. In her younger years she was often the first one picked to be on the team. She enjoyed bowling and playing golf. She loved hosting watch parties on Steelers Sunday and never missed a game.
Stephanie is survived by her daughter, Jodie (Mark) Spagnolli, her son, Michael (Erica) Tokarsky, three grandchildren, Jake Spagnolli, Jordan Spagnolli and Faye Tokarsky. She is also survived by her sisters, Diane (John) Pugliano, Beth (Dennis) Liotta and brother John (Kerri) Josephic and several nieces and nephews.
She was loved deeply and will forever be missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone that loved her.
A celebration of life will take place on February 1, 2025. See the attached link for details: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/celebratestephaniebelusar
Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary J. Chuckro, age 96 of North Huntingdon, passed away on November 11, 2024. She was born on March 21, 1928 in Rankin, a daughter of the late Blaz and Anna Evancic Matesic. Prior to her retirement, Mary was employed as a cashier at D&K at Norwin Towne Square and also at Grinberg's in Braddock. She was a member of St. Agnes Church. In her free time, Mary enjoyed reading, crocheting, gardening, cooking, baking, and working on crossword puzzles. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Walter Chuckro. She is survived by four daughters, Regina Mark and her husband, Forrest, Donna Miedlar and her husband, Michael, Catherine Borgony and her husband, David, Mary Kay Ritz and her husband, Dennis; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Friends will be received on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 10 A.M. in St. Agnes Church. Interment will follow in Braddock Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Mary's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation, St. Agnes Church, or a charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Patrick J. Donnelly III, age 70 of North Huntingdon, went to be the the Lord on November 11, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Patrick was born June 26, 1954 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Patrick James Donnelly Jr. and Betty Petrisko Donnelly Craycraft. Prior to his retirement Pat was employed as a salesman for American General Life Insurance Company. He was an avid golfer and member of the Irwin Country Club. A 1972 graduate of GCC where he played football and a graduate of IUP, he attained his Business Degree in 1976. His favorite past time was spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by three daughters, Courtney Schultz and her husband Jared, Nikki Kovalcin and her husband Derek, Katie Ferlin and her husband Mike, three brothers, Kevin Donnelly (Debra), Timothy Donnelly (Joanne), Thomas Donnelly (Sandra), two sisters Mary Ellen Piesik (Bernie), Eileen Donnelly and 7 grandchildren, Ty, Jordan, Lexi, and Colton Kovalcin, Mason Schultz, Jackson and Madison Ferlin, numerous nieces and nephews, and many loyal and lifelong friends. Due to Pat’s wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 19 at 11 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin Please go directly to the church. Memorials may be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc., Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 10, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

James A. Rebosky Jr. age 60, of North Huntingdon passed away 11/09/2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Duquesne Pa. on Dec 25, 1963 to the late James and Joann (Kopaczynski) Rebosky. He was a graduate of Norwin high school. Jim was the owner of CJR Transport and hauled steel for nearly 40 years in the Pittsburgh area. Jim was most proud of his beloved family. His most treasured memories were coaching his children in their various sports and traveling for their baseball and soccer teams. Above all he cherished his time spent with his grandchildren. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Cynthia Rebosky Swenson. He is survived by his wife Jamie (Thomas) Rebosky, loving son Casey (Dallas) Rebosky and his adoring daughters Cassandra Rebosky and Cristina (Christian) Poach, three grandsons that he adored, James, Rip and Cash; and his grandson due in December, his brother Jeffery Rebosky and his sister Tiffany Rebosky. Services will be private. JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 08, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Rose Marie Kushner Palocsko, age 93 of North Huntingdon, passed away on November 7, 2024. She was born on September 6, 1931 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Stephen Beskid and Ann Liptak Beskid. Rose Marie was a graduate of McKeesport High School's Class of 1949. She was a Charter Member at St. Agnes Church where she belonged to the Christian Mothers Club. She was also a volunteer with the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Rose Marie belonged to the Circleville Firehall Ladies Auxiliary and was the first Registrar for the Norwin Soccer Club. She served as a costume seamstress for the Norwin Theater Company. Rose Marie cherished her role as a homemaker, and enjoyed sewing, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Rose Marie was preceded in death by her first husband Edward Kushner, and her second husband Edward Palocsko. She is survived by two sons, Andrew Kushner (Janeen), and Edward Kushner (Patricia), one daughter, Barbara Komondor (Michael), one brother, Frank Beskid (Judy), one sister, Nancy Priselac, grandchildren Sean Kushner, Claudia Ohrman (Joshua), Ralph Hensell, Rachael Ekberk, and Michael Hensell, and one great-grandson, Joshua Jr. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM and Monday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Agnes Church on Tuesday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Irwin. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com