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
November 04, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Catherine M. Thompson, age 80 of North Huntingdon passed away November 3, 2024 at her home with her family by her side. She was born May 28, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio, a daughter of the late Simon and Virginia Browske Aber. Catherine was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading her Bible and attending church and participating in her card club. She was a graduate of Norwin High School Class of 1962. Catherine devoted her life to her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her beloved husband, Adolph L. Thompson III, two sons Bucky Thompson (Lori), Chad Thompson (Jeannine), her daughter Lyndi Harbulak (Joe), three sisters, Cindy Vinkler (Tom), Candy Davis (Chuck), Clare Loughrey (Archie), grandchildren, Joey, Zak and Juliana Harbulak, Grace and Marium Thompson ,and her precious fur baby Annie. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Friday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday at 9 A.M at St. Agnes Church followed by interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 01, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Nina M. Howard, age 57 of Hempfield Township died October 31, 2024, at her home. She was born May 10, 1967, in Greensburg, a daughter of Richard Graft and Mildred Voich Andrekanic. Nina loved shopping, jewelry and fashion. She graduated from Beauty School and held many jobs throughout her lifetime. She was a caregiver, an LPN and a dental assistant. Nina enjoyed spending time with her family, her son and her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Graft. She is survived by her beloved husband Rusty K. Howard, son Ronald Krautz III, sisters, Daneen Kemerer, Jodie Graft, half-brother Dean Graft, half-sister, Dena Graft, grandchildren, Chad, Ronald IV, Blakely, Kayson and Bella, great grandchild, Paisley. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at which time a service will be held at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family through the funeral home website at www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
October 31, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donald R. Gold, age 94 of North Huntingdon, passed away on October 31, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1930 in Mt. Vernon, New York, a son of the late Arthur Gold and Lilian Berlin Gold. Arthur was a member of the Congregation Emanu-El Israel Synagogue and a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean War. In his free time, Donald was a swimming officiant and also enjoyed photography. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his late wife, Diane Tauder, and one sister Anita Boas. He is survived by three sons, Duff Gold (Tracy), Dean Gold, and Dan Gold (Kristen), two daughters, Dana Gold and Dale Gold, and five grandchildren, Micaiah, Desmond, Abra, Dakota, and Kaelin. A memorial gathering will be held at Moments Event Hall, 231 Jennie Drive, North Huntingdon on Thursday, November 7, from 6 -9 PM. Memorial contributions may be given in Donald's name to the Congregation Emanu-El in Greensburg. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
October 29, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna Lynn 'Dee" Medved, age 64 of Irwin passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on October 28, 2024. She was born in Westmoreland County on October 21, 1960, to John and Olga Defibaugh. She will be loved and missed by her son Jason Medved, her twin brother Donald Defibaugh (Sheila), sister Barbara Adams (the late Mark), brother Jack Defibaugh (Linda) and nieces and nephews, Dani, Jeremy, Matt, Elysia, Lynn, Jessica and Ben, also great nieces and nephews. She worked at the Veteran's Hospital in Aspinwall and Oakland as a nurse for 30 years. She was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in June of 1994. Dee's biggest passion was taking care of her house plants and her deck garden. She also enjoyed scuba diving and bird watching. A private service will be held at a later date. JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
October 27, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Thomas (Tom) Francis Lydon, aged 82, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. He was a beloved father, husband, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Tom was born on October 11, 1942 in Braddock, PA, the son of Dudley Lydon and Helen Conroy. He grew up in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh. He was drafted in 1964 by the US Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1966. He started his career with US Steel Homestead Works in 1966 until the mills closed in the 1980’s. He worked for the VA Hospital and later worked at the US Postal Service until his retirement in 2006. Tom didn’t have a lot of hobbies, but he enjoyed watching Nascar races, Fox News, and spending time with his dog, Skyler. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Claudia, his children, John (Maryann) and Jeff (Heather), and was extremely proud of his grandson Connor. He is also survived by his brothers, James (Judy) Lydon and John (Pam) Lydon and several nieces and nephews. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. There will be no funeral service and a private cremation. A celebration of life with family and friends will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to AHN Forbes Hospice. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
October 26, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Elizabeth V. Staso, 91 of North Huntingdon, passed away on October 25, 2024. Born on October 2, 1933, Elizabeth devoted her life to her family and community, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Before marrying her late husband, Albert, Elizabeth happily worked at Westinghouse. Post-marriage, she embraced the roles of full-time mother, grandmother, great grandmother and matriarch, enriching her family with unconditional love and care. She created a warm and inviting home. Her commitment to her family was evident in every aspect of her life, and she was revered as the cornerstone that kept her family closely knit. She was the heart of the family, survived by her children Keith, Gary, and Maryann; daughters-in-law Wendy and Joanne and son in-law Seth; grandchildren Jonathan, Amanda, Olivia (Stephen), Ryan, Christina (Jordon), Justin (Keaira), Aleksi, Carly and Gabrielle; and great grandson Bennett, and Randy's fiancé Rita. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Albert, son Randy, and daughter in-law Charlene. Elizabeth’s active involvement with Elizabeth Ann Seton Church provided a source of great joy and fulfillment in her life. Her faith was unwavering and was evident in how she interacted with all people. She developed many friends throughout her life, and enjoyed bowling, bingo and most recently playing cards with her good friends Flo and Barb who provided great joy with a companionship filled with compassion and laughs. In lieu of flower, contributions in memory of Elizabeth can be made to Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Her life was a testament to unconditional love and the impact one person can have on many others. She was beautiful inside and out. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 10:30a.m. - 11:30a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church at noon. Interment will take place at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
October 24, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert Beavers, age 61 of North Huntingdon, passed away on October 23, 2024. He was born on March 24, 1963 in Braddock, a son of the late Robert and Shirley Cardiff Beavers. He was a graduate of Coulter Road Baptist School in McKeesport. Prior to his retirement, Bob was employed as an Assembler at Crisp Control Inc, and also as a mechanic. He was an avid Steelers fan and enjoyed watching Nascar races. Bob loved animals, especially his pets. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his infant daughter Sarah and his niece Tami Kunst. He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa, one son, Robert Jr., one daughter, Jessica Beavers, one brother, Jeff Beavers, one sister, Sheri Kunst, and one granddaughter Selena Twele, niece Jodi and nephew D. J. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2 PM to 7 PM. A final visitation will take place on Monday from 11 AM to 12 Noon, with a funeral service beginning at 12. Interment will follow at Penn Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert's name to White Oak Animal Safe Haven. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
October 24, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
David Ulakovic, 78, of North Versailles passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at UPMC East hospital, with family by his bedside. Dave was born on July 21, 1946, the only child of Anna (Smith) and Joseph Ulakovic. After graduating from Westinghouse Memorial High School in 1964, he went on to become a master machinist and skilled tool and die maker.
A lifelong sportsman, he could often be found on the golf course, in a hunting blind, or chatting with his buddies at the McKeesport Sportsmen’s Association gun club & Hartford Heights Fireman’s club. Dave was a storyteller extraordinaire and truly loved his dogs - he was never far from Teagan, his beloved English springer spaniel.
He is survived by wife Suzanne, son Joseph (Kristen), daughter Carrie (Don Lee), daughter Dana (Ben Goldberg-Morse), and grandchildren Travis, Hunter, Calder, and Grier. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert (Bob) Giles. Seeing all three of his children become parents was one of Dave’s greatest and proudest joys in life.
A service in his honor will be held at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntington, on Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM. A Catholic Mass will take place at St. Robert’s Bellarmine Church in East McKeesport on Saturday at 10 AM. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association in Dave's memory. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
