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Joseph J. Diak

August 11, 2025 |

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

Joseph J. Diak, age 86 of North Huntingdon died August 10, 2025, at Independence Westmoreland Hospital. He was born October 22, 1938, in Pittsburgh, son of the late Joseph G. and Annabelle E. Kozlowski Diak. Joseph was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to retirement Joe was employed by MSA.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family at his camp in Tionesta, Pa. Joe enjoyed watching Western movies. Joe was a jack of all trades and there wasn't anything he wouldn't try. His favorite past time was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Dolores Jean Santimyer Diak, 3 sons, Michael (Shari), Steven (Amy), Jeffrey (Donna), daughter Jennifer Mollise (Sal), 7 grandchildren, Samantha (Dalton), Jacob (Angie), Amanda, Rebecca (Tyler), Mikayla, Nicholas (Victoria) and Madison (Edward), great grandchildren, Steel, Aaliyah, Amelia, Jensen, and Seren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Agnes Church. Interment will follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital or The Shriners’ Hospital for Children.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Ruth A. Lewis

August 09, 2025 |

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

Ruth A. Lewis, age 74 of North Huntingdon, now residing in Greensburg, died August 7, 2025, at Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. She was born October 20,1950 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary Kelly Steele. Ruth was a graduate of Norwin High School, Class of 1968. She was a member of the Circleville Firehall Ladies Auxiliary and a 50-year member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed bingo, word searches and was known as the "library lady" at Stewartsville School. Her most special time was time spent with her son. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Charles Lewis and one sister, Kathy Steele. She is survived by her beloved son, Ben Lewis and his fiancée Kelly Donohue. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Monday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. Interment will be private in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven or the Special Olympics. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Carol Ann Meinke

August 07, 2025 |

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

Carol Ann Meinke (nee Slaczka) of Plymouth Meeting, PA and formerly of North Huntingdon and Glenside, PA passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Carol was the loving wife of the late John Carl Meinke. John and Carol met in Pittsburgh and enjoyed 47 years of marriage together. Born in Wilmerding PA, Carol was the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen (nee Mikosz) Slaczka. Carol was a devoted wife, mother, and Grammy and took great pride in caring for her family and spending quality time with them and her many cherished friends. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, playing card games, and going out for walks. She also volunteered her time making mats for the homeless and was a faithful parishioner of both St. Luke’s Church in Glenside and St. Agnes Church in Irwin, PA. Most of all Carol will be remembered for her kindness which she shared so freely with everyone around her and her huge heart. Carol babysat for nearly 40 years treating every child as if they were her own. She spread her immense love and joy to everyone she met, never asking for anything in return. Her early morning holiday and daily well wishes of kindness will be sorely missed. Surviving are her beloved children, Richard Meinke (Debbie), Lisa Meinke, and Todd Meinke (Jamie). She also leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Ryan, Sean, Alexis, Hannah, Owen, Lauren, Alicia, Colton, and newest addition John Daniel; her siblings, Stella, Joe, Stanley, Frances and Marian; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her siblings, Dorothy, John, George, and her baby sister Maryann. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 8-9:45 AM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Church at 10 AM, Thursday, August 14, 2025, with burial to follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 12:30 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Robert W. Cunningham

August 06, 2025 |

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

Robert W. Cunningham, age 90 of Dravosburg died August 5, 2025, at Concordia at Weatherwood. He was born August 6, 1934, in McKeesport, a son of the late Robert and Theresa Klug Cunningham. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as mechanic by USAir. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and played the electric guitar with family members. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles C. Cunningham. He is survived by nieces and nephews, Cheryl Ashbaugh (Jim Ashbaugh), Connie Cunningham, John Ashbaugh Sr., John Ashbaugh Jr., Madison Marie Ashbaugh and a sister-in-law Catherine Cunningham. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 12-1 p.m. Interment will be private in Monongahela Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Shirley Byers

August 05, 2025 |

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

Shirley Byers, age 90 of Irwin, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on August 5, 2025 at Greene Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on July 22, 1935 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, a daughter of the late Vernon Wilson and Opal Bowling Wilson.  Shirley was a member of the Penns Woods United Methodist Church and also the Penns Woods Civic Association. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. Byers, a son, Terry  Byers, and a brother, Richard Wilson. She is survived by one son, Edward Byers Jr., one daughter Brenda Billy, daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Byers, 7 grandchildren, Michael (wife Candy), John (wife Kristie), Edward III, Melissa, Justin (wife Jackie), Jared, and Derek, and great grandchildren, Travis, Kylie, Natalie, Hannah, Elizabeth, Logan, Abigail, Delilah, Brodi, Jace and Mia. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM.  A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Shirley's name to the Norwin Area Meals on Wheels.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Marsha Jean Yerecic

August 04, 2025 |

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

Marsha Jean Yerecic, age 67 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 31, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. She was born on January 2, 1958, in Allegheny County. a daughte of the late Alfred E. and Jean Burda Weslowski. Prior to her retirement, Marsha was employed at Bechtel Bettis in West Mifflin. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and  a Norwin High School graduate, Class of 1976 . She enjoyed attending events with her husband at local sportsman's clubs, crocheting, gardening, reading, feeding birds and was an avid Steeler fan. In addition to her parents, Marsha was preceded in death by her husband Bruce on July 3, 2025,  and her son Matthew Yerecic. She is survived by her daughter Nicole Yerecic, son-in-law, Michael Schmitt, one sister Linda Cubakovic (David), and four grandchildren Emma, Trevor, Jacob, and James. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 2-6 PM at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon . A blessing service will follow at 6 PM Monday at the funeral home for Bruce and Marsha .In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or Toys for Tots. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth "Jane" Wright

July 30, 2025 |

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

Ruth "Jane" Wright, age 88 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 28, 2025.  She was born on September 16, 1936 in Jefferson City, Missouri, a daughter of the late Edward Schroer and Minnie Gordon Schroer.  Jane was the co-owner of M&J Floral in West Hempfield, and she was also an administrative clerk at Johnson's Greenhouse from where she retired.  Jane and her husband, Jerome, were founding members of the Norwin Soccer Club.  Jane liked to read and she was known for her delicious baking.  She had a talent for yarn-craft and took pride in her knitting, sewing, and crocheting.  Most of all, Jane cherished her role as a home-maker and she loved the time spent with her family.  In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerome Wright in 2019,  two brothers Robert "Shake" Schroer and Kenneth Schroer, one sister Betty Davis, and her stepfather Gus Humbrock.  She is survived by two sons, Walter Wright  (wife Bridget), and Jerry Wright Jr. (wife Faith), two daughters Marsha Meyers (husband Chuck), Kathy Novacek (husband Dave), two sisters Margaret Kampeter and Mary Ann Distler, grandchildren Charlie (wife Jamie), Brianna, A.J., Miranda, Katie, and Tally, and great-granddaughters, Savannah, Bella, and Nova.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM.  A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Ruth's name to the Norwin Public Library.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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David B. Kaminsky Sr.

July 28, 2025 |

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

David B. Kaminsky Sr., age 83 of Westmoreland County, was born on September 13, 1941 and passed away on July 27, 2025.  He was a devoted individual who contributed to his community.  Mr. Kaminsky retired from Irvin Works of West Mifflin, where he dedicated many years of service.  He was a proud member of the WMBU and the Elizabeth Township Sportsmen's Association.  David was the beloved child of Helen and John Kaminsky.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia in 1993, sister Dorothy J. and brother John, both of McKeesport, PA.  He is survived by his children, Debora Shidemantle and David Kaminsky Jr. (wife Jayme).  David was Grandfather of Ross, Jessica, and Christopher.  He was Pappy Dave to Riley, Rhyan, Talon, Brayden, Jaxson, and Maverick.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 AM.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in David's name to the Elizabeth Township Sportsmen's Association.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Regis R. Snyder

July 24, 2025 |

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

Regis Snyder, age 76 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 23, 2025.  He was born on September 27, 1948 in McKeesport.  Prior to his retirement, Regis was employed as a machine operator.  The staff of Kadima at North Huntingdon, formerly Briarcliff nursing home, became his family.  Regis will be missed by the entire crew.  He always looked forward to playing bingo with his friends, watching sports on TV, and singing Christmas carols.  There will be no public visitation.  Regis’s friends would like to extend a special thank-you to Bridges Hospice for their care and compassion.  James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Janet "Vickie" Ropar

July 22, 2025 |

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

Janet Victoria (Vickie) Ropar passed away from dementia on July 21, 2025 at Mountain View Senior Center, Greensburg.  Born November 20, 1959 in Casper, Wyoming, her young family soon moved to western Pennsylvania.  Vickie was the beloved wife of Joe Ropar (of NHT), and daughter of Carole Reynolds Crookston and the late Albert Crookston.  A 1978 graduate of Norwin High School, Vickie then earned an Associate's Degree in Graphic Art and Design from WCCC, which complimented her lifelong talents as an artist.  After raising her children, she returned to the workforce with Style and Substance Art Gallery, Rescue 8, and Airtek.  Throughout her life, she loved dogs, and owned/raised some of the best girls ever (Tootsie, Sadie, Bailey, Bristol, and Charlotte).  Dover, her current dog, became a very good boy, but he dearly misses Vickie.  Another endearing love of Vickie's was auto racing, which she supported on all levels since childhood as a shared family passion.  For over 20 years, she actively supported the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, volunteering as a flagger, timer, scorer, and registar.  Being renowned as a cook and baker, her buffalo hot wings were extraordinary and her buckeyes were legendary.  She also enjoyed camping, reading, and PIRATES games with family and friends.  Vickie is survived by her husband Joe of 46 years, son Bryan, daughter Sarah (Ronnie) Moore, mother Carole Crookston, sister Dr. Kathy (Coleman) Curran, and several nieces and nephews.  Services will be private.  Contributions may be made in Vickie's name to a charity of your choice.  Our family gives sincere thanks to Medi Home Hospice and the staff of Mountain View Senior Care, you folks rock!  James W. Shirley Funeral Home 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Judith “Judy” E. Schubert

July 19, 2025 |

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

Judith “Judy” E. Schubert, 79, formerly of Monroeville, went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2025, at William Penn Care Center, Jeannette. She was born October 10, 1945, in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Richard and Oneta Planert. She graduated from Penn Hills High School, Class of ’63, where she met her beloved late husband, William “Bill” Schubert. Judy was a member of Grace Life Church and worshiped with members of Cornerstone Church at the care facility. She was also preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Christine Derringer. 

Prior to her health decline, Judy enjoyed traveling to new places, trips to the Outer Banks every summer, her bowling league, trying new restaurants and a good party. In those years she looked forward to hosting family and friends for epic 4th of July picnics. She put her heart and soul into selecting the best gifts and hosting holidays at her house, was a huge dog lover all her life, and was converted to a cat lover when she met Misty “Puss-Puss” who chose her as her human. 

She is survived by sons Michael (Carla) of Liberty Boro and Mark (Melanie) of Pitcairn; grandchildren Josie and Bryce Schubert, Courtney Schubert and Malinda (Kenny) Parker, “insta-grands” Jayda Medgaus, Renata (Ryan) Bushik, Gino (Christina) Martin, Tori (Mike) Mace, and precious great-grandchildren Mia, Landon, Ethan, Braxton, Kaisley, Leo, Thia, Parker, Emiliana, Sophia and the newest addition, Kenneth. 

There will be no public visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Nicholas M. Muro

July 19, 2025 |

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

Nicholas M. Muro, age 85 of Monroeville died July 18, 2025, at Forbes Regional Hospital. He was born September 5, 1939, in Wilmerding, a son of the late Peter and Angela Muro. Nick was a graduate of Wilmerding High School. He later attained this master's degree in science and Math from Pitt University. Prior to his retirement, he employed as a high school math and geometry teacher for East Allegheny High School. He was also the public relations director and Football Coach. Following retirement, Nick continued working various jobs. He ran titles for Cochran Pontiac Car Dealership, was a chaperone for Preferred Casio Tours and was a limousine driver. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Danielle McCann. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Nancy Macchione Muro, stepson Nicko Wilson (Emily), step son-in-law, Eric McCann, two brothers, Peter Muro (Michelle) Robert Muro (Claudia). Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 2-8 P.M. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 A.M in the funeral home chapel with intermet to follow at Irwin Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome. com.

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Lance Schlegel

July 17, 2025 |

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

Lance P. Schlegel, age 79 of Irwin passed away on July 16, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 31, 1945, in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Joseph and Clair Kampert Schlegel. Lance was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, Lance was employed as a storeroom attendant by the Elliott Company. He was a graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic High School Class of 1963. Lance was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed golfing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Joe Schlegel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Perbonish Schlegel, one son Marc and his wife Peggy, two brothers, Gary and Robert Schlegel, four sisters, Rose Bauman, Bonnie Johnson, Sandy Rinaldi and her husband Don, Lorraine Konch and her husband Gary, and one granddaughter Caitlyn. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 2-6 P.M. An additional celebration of life will be held on Lance's birthday, Thursday, July 31 from 4-7 P.M. at Moments Event Center (Hall in back of Shirley Funeral Home parking lot). Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnels to Towers. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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David Michael Reuss

July 16, 2025 |

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

David Michael Reuss, age 36 of Herminie, passed away at home on July 15, 2025.  After one year in the hospital, he came home and peacefully fell asleep in his own bed.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Martha H. Reuss.  He is survived by his parents David S. and Christina Stairs Reuss, three brothers, Andrew and Sabria (Gasper), Thomas and Desiree (DeClaudio), Michael and Melaina (Brown), and the love of his life Trista (Globosky) Weiss and Dr. Leonard Weiss, paternal grandfather George F. Reuss and maternal grandparents Victor and Dolores Stairs.  He will also be missed by his favorite Aunt who was always there for him, Pamela (Stairs) Kuhn and his favorite uncle George D. Reuss who would give him the world, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He loved his nieces and nephews, Charlotte, August, Brooks, Eliana, Willow, and Harlow.  His smile and humor would light up the room.  His love for life was contagious despite some obstacles, but he overcame those.  He loved his dogs, Shiloh, Vegas, Ruby, and Springs, and his three cats, especially Twinkles.  He loved "Bro" night with Michael, selling and planting his flowers, gardening sunflowers, and caring for his bee hives.  He did many things throughout his life, like riding on a quad, family vacations to Myrtle Beach, parasailing, rollercoasters, boat rides, WWE, NASCAR, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, having a Bud-Light Lime with Dad, skiing, calling and texting on his phone, being the center of attention, hanging out with his brothers, all-night parties after high school dances, scavenger hunts with Trista, being a best man and groomsman in weddings: Andrew, Thomas, Michael, and Best Man at Trista's wedding. You will be missed by so many, our son, you are our best friend.   You are loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally.  Now you can walk, run, talk, see your dogs, and most importantly, live pain free.  We love you, buddy.  Look down upon all of us, as we are going to need it.  Your eternal light is not out, but glowing brighter and stronger every day.  This is not a goodbye, just until we meet again, my son and brother.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to All But Furgotten Animal Shelter in David's memory.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Thursday from 4 to 8 PM and Friday from 2 to 8 PM.  A funeral Mass will take place in St. Edward Parish in Herminie on Saturday at 12 Noon.  Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Irwin.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Kevin George Gongaware

July 14, 2025 |

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

Kevin George Gongaware, 61, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 12, 2025, at Forbes Regional Hospital. Born April 13, 1964, in Greensburg, he was the beloved son of the late Merle Gongaware and Norma Jean (Dunn) Wisser. A 1982 graduate of Norwin Senior High School and a 1984 graduate of Ohio Technical College, Kevin recently retired from his role as a commercial HVAC technical engineer for the Department of Energy. He was a proud member of the Pittsburgh chapter of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). Kevin was a skilled mechanic who could fix just about anything. A lifelong car enthusiast and motorcycle rider, he had a special love for Harley Davidsons. In addition to his parents, Kevin was preceded in death by his brother, Merle Keith, and his stepfathers, Joseph Chervenick and Glenn Wisser. He is survived by his brother, Kris (Jill); sisters, Janis Kljun (Andrew) and Jennifer Fitzgerald (Patrick); nephews, Ben (Erica), Jacob, and Joseph; nieces, Carly and Emma; his beloved Chow Chow, Cash; and many cousins and friends. In recent years, Kevin shared a particularly close bond with his “little sister” and her family. A survivor from the start, Kevin overcame childhood leukemia and was followed for decades as a long-term study participant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Thursday from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel, with interment to follow at Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kevin’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com