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Donna "Dee" Medved

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.

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Thomas F. Lydon

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

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Elizabeth V. Staso

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.

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Robert Beavers

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

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David G. Ulakovic

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

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John R. Caruso

October 21, 2024 |

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

John R. Caruso , age 88 of North Huntingdon died October 20, 2024 at Golden Heights. He was born December 30,1935 in Irwin, a son of the late Frank and Helen Beyvl Caruso. John was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a bus driver for Norwin School District. He enjoyed hunting and shooting. John was a former train driver for Conrail and also formerly employed as a truck driver. He was a veteran and served our country in the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Susan in 2022. He is survived by three sons, John Caruso, Mike Caruso (Angel) and Domenic Caruso (Brandi), one brother, Frank Caruso, one sister Anna Miholovich (John), grandchildren, Brenna, Katherine, Hailey, Michael Jr., David, and Domenic. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 9a.m. -11a.m. followed by a mass at St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Tunnels for Towers.

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Debbie Flinner

October 20, 2024 |

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

Debbie Flinner, 67, of North Huntingdon returned to the Lord's embrace on October 20, 2024. She was born June 25, 1957 to parents David and Evelyn (Swank) Pennington. In addition to her parents, Debbie is preceded in death by her son, Bud Flinner, brothers, Bruce and Dave Pennington, and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Stan Flinner: daughter, Nikki Flinner, sister, Darlene Pennington and many cousins. Debbie will be remembered for her love of Jesus, fanaticism for sports ( especially) the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Dayton basketball ), and her passion for teaching and helping kids. Her final wish is that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Children's area of the Sewickley Township Public Library Building Fund" in Herminie. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 3-7 p.m. . Services will be private on Saturday followed by interment at Westmoreland County Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Wendell R. "Buck" Holmes III

October 17, 2024 |

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

Wendell R. "Buck" Holmes III, 66 of Sutersville died October 16, 2024 at his home. He was born October 3, 1958 , a son of Carolyn Reichard and the late Wendell R. Holmes Jr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by sister, Terri Lynn. Buck was employed as a shipper for Ductmate Industries in Monongahela. A 1977 graduate of Hempfield, he enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting and walking his dogs Kevin and Kody. He was a beloved husband, father, friend and co-worker. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Bonny Fuller Holmes, two sons Brandon Holmes (Linnea), Adam Mitchell (Katrina), sister Sherri Ann Parry. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Words of remembrance will be held at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stock the Yough. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Kimberly A. Gavron

October 16, 2024 |

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

Kimberly A. Gavron, age 55 of White Oak, passed away after a relentless battle with breast cancer on October 16, 2024 at her home while surrounded by her girls and husband. She was born on August 1, 1969 in McKeesport, a daughter of Judith Baughman Gavron and the late Gerald Gavron. Kim was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1988 and also the McKeesport Vocational Cosmetology Program. Kim cherished her role as a homemaker and especially loved to spend time with her grandkids. In her free time, she looked forward to working on crafts, making jewelry, swimming in her pool, watching spooky TV shows, thrift shopping, and enjoying a cold glass of iced tea. Kim is survived by her beloved husband David Barish, three daughters, Kayla Jones (D'Angelo Fields), Brittany Humenik (Daniel), and Courtney Jones (Fiancé Cory Kozol), two stepsons, David Barish Jr. (Alexandrea) and Alex Barish (Hannah Wessling), one brother Gerald Gavron (Lisa), two sisters, Sheila Gavron (Darrin) and Nicole Gavron, six grandchildren, Weston, River, Remington, Maverick, Magnolia, and Jameson, nieces & nephews Alyssa Gavron, George Ribich, Ronald Gavron, Annabel Williams, and Ava Williams, and her beloved cat Priscilla. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A blessing service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kim's name to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Eileen M. Korinko

October 16, 2024 |

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

Eileen M. Korinko, age 93 of North Huntingdon, passed away on October 15, 2024, at her home. She was born on July 22, 1931, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Carl Paul and Evelyn Dawning Gebhardt.  Eileen was a member of Norwin Alliance Church, where she taught Bible Study and helped to prepare meals. She enjoyed her role as a homemaker and looked forward to leather crafting in her free time. In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward, one grandson Corey Korinko, and six sisters Dorothy Miller, Edna Mae Gebhardt, Jean Neal, Lois Shepherd, Margaret Pifferti, and Thelma McNeal. She is survived by three sons, Ed Korinko (Marylynn), Michael Korinko (Julia Pressler), and John Korinko, one sister, Kathy Boyle, grandchildren Stephen Korinko and Tiffany Rose Korinko (Chris Babbie), and great-grandchildren Connor Korinko, Ava Babbie, and Lilly Babbie. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Monday at 9 AM with interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

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Edward L. Rolla Jr

October 15, 2024 |

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

Edward L. Rolla Jr, age 67 of Manor, Pa. died October 14, 2024. He was born June 13, 1957, in Greensburg, a son of the late Edward and Betty Anthony Rolla Sr. Prior to his retirement Ed was the owner of Edward Rolla Plastering. He was a 1976 graduate of Hempfield High School. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie Frye Rolla, daughters, Billie Jo Bussard and her husband Bill and Jade. one sister, Beverly J. Myers and her husband Rich Serlo, one granddaughter, Kaylyn Bussard, brother and sister in laws, Pam and Denny Kinzel, cousins, George Maline and numerous additional cousins. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Paintertown Volunteer Fire Hall from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the family through our website. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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David L. Miller

October 14, 2024 |

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

David L. Miller, age 77, of Irwin died October 14, 2024, peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was born November 9, 1946, in Fargo, North Dakota, a son of the late Michael and Dorothy Miller. Prior to his retirement, Dave was employed as a truck driver. He was a lifetime member of the Norwin VFW Post 781 and a founding member of the Honor Guard. He was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S Marines. He proudly served three tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps as a scout dog handler. Dave enjoyed old cars, fishing, flower gardening and his dog Kari. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 359 in Irwin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerry and Richard Illgen, Tim and Bruce Miller, three sisters, Cheryl and Linda Malkosky and Judy Myrold. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcy Lake Miller, two sons, Joe Miller, Mike Miller (Maggie), four daughters, Nicole Perkey (Will), Melissa Gill (John), Michelle Curry (Josh), Holly Ferencuha (Rob), one brother, Dennis Miller, two sisters, Janie Pellis and Judith Basher. brother-in-law’s, Roy Malkosky, Less Myrold, Joe Pellis, sister-in-law’s, Shari Illgen and Diane Miller, grandchildren, James Dean, Regeana, Savanna, Zachary, Tyler, Kaylee, Lucas and Liam. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday, October 20, from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 A.M. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family wishes to express a thank you to A.H.N. Hospice, physical therapists and caregivers Quay and Karen for their care and compassion.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Ralph A. Yanez

October 11, 2024 |

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

Ralph A. Yanez, 94 of North Huntingdon, died peacefully on October 11, 2024 at his home. He was born on October 24, 1929, in McKeesport, a son of the late Ralph and Sanjuana Jimenez Yanez. Prior to his retirement, Ralph was employed as a draftsman at Davo Company. Ralph was a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and a member of the Disabled Veteran's Association. In his free time, he took pride in caring for his property and looked forward to spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Isabella, two brothers John Yanez and Joseph Yanez, and five sisters Antonia Yanez, Angelina Yanez, Concepeion Yanez, Virginia Yanez and Conchita Yanez. He is survived by five children, Ralph Yanez (Karen), Angelina Yanez, William Yanez (Deborah), Joseph Yanez (Karen), and Samuel Yanez (Carrie), grandchildren Danielle Kukic (Chris), Angelina Yanez (Andrew), Sean Yanez (Claire), Raymond Yanez (Casey), Katie Yanez (fiancé Jordan), Andrew Yanez, Addison Yanez, and Hayden Yanez, and great-grandchildren Emma, Luke, Riley, Avery, Wyatt, and Levi. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at a time to be announced, with interment to follow in St. Mary's German Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Adela L. Senica

October 11, 2024 |

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

Adela L. Senica, age 77 of Jeannette, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, while surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 24, 1946 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Wilbert and Louise Pollard Demorest. Adela loved to spend time with her family. Adela cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and homemaker, and she enjoyed listening to talk shows on AM radio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Demorest Sr. and Marvin Demorest, and one sister Charlene Kerlin. She is survived by two sons, David Senica (Cindy) and John Senica, one daughter Christie Senica, one brother, Wilbert Demorest, one sister Carrie Ruzyc (John), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2-5 PM with a service at 5 PM. Interment will be private at Westmoreland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Adela's name to the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Joseph “Joe” Petras

October 05, 2024 |

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

Joseph “Joe” Petras of North Huntingdon died October 3, 2024. He was born February 24,1932 in East Pittsburgh, Pa. Joe was a veteran of the Army serving in the 5th Army area during the period after the end of the Korean War and start of the Vietnam war achieving the rank of SP5. He was actively involved in electrical maintenance of the Nike Ajax Missile Defense system. Prior to his retirement in 1994, he was employed by Reliance Electric Co. for 35 years as a Senior Electrical Field Service Engineer. After retirement, Joe was an Electrical Consultant at Cleveland Price Inc. for 22 years. He was a member of Saint Agnes Church, and was very active in polka dancing throughout the years and did extensive video filming of the events for others to enjoy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Bernadine and brothers John and Steve. Joe is survived by his four sons, John (Jennifer), Bill (Diane), Robert( Marianne), Barry (Amy), grandchildren Tyler, Jared, William Ray, Angel, Christy, Mitchell, Andrew, Veronica, 4 great grandchildren and brother William Petras. Services will be private followed by interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery. Donations can be sent to Meals on Wheels. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements.