March 03, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dennis Robert Petrulak, age 72 of Irwin, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2025 at his home. Dennis was a graduate of Norwin High School in the Class of 1970. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt, and he also enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. He was the owner of Den-Care Landscaping for many years. Denny was a member of St. Edward and most recently Immaculate Conception Parish. Dennis was born on March 11, 1952, a son of the late Ernest E and Josephine Petrulak. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol, sons Bryan, Kevin (Maria), Nathan, and Justin (Jess), his dearly loved grandchildren, Broadea, Grace, Camille, Zachary, Emily, Myla, and Owen, brothers Ernest T. and David Petrulak, and sisters Karen Bales and Diane Edwards. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, on Thursday from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 10 AM in Immaculate Conception Church with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Denny's name to the Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 01, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Paul Dale Knieriem, 81, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025. Known to most as Dale, he was born on February 16, 1944, the beloved son of the late Paul and Mildred Knieriem. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" Knieriem. He is survived by his loving companion, Charlene Moore; his two children, Wendy (William) Waugh of North Huntingdon and Paul (Meghan) Knieriem of Huntington, NY; his six grandchildren, Nicholas, Danielle, Jonathan, Zachary, Paul, and Patrick; and his great-grandchild, Slone. Dale graduated from McKeesport High School in 1962 and embarked on a fulfilling career at Westinghouse (East Pittsburgh and Cheswick), Elliott Company, and DBT America. After retiring, he enjoyed time with family and friends at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland. Everyone who knew Dale knew his passion for building and fixing anything in his garage or driveway. He was an active member of both Norwin Christian Church of North Huntingdon and Crossroads Church in Oakland, MD, and was a former member of Christ United Methodist Church in North Huntingdon. Dale was also a dedicated 60-year member of the Duquesne-McKeesport Masonic Lodge. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Dale.
February 25, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
George Radjenovich, age 89 of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025 at the Grove where he resided with his wife Ethel and son Nick by his side. He was born January 30, 1936 in Braddock, a son of the late Bozo and Luba Radjenovich. George served in the Navy as a cook on a ship, and he went on to become a coil-winder employed by Westinghouse. George served as an Eagle Scout, and he was a black-belt in Judo and also an instructor. He loved going to the Giant Eagle, pre-covid, where they, for years, sat around "the table" and gathered with 12 of his friends. He also made friends with the workers there which continued on until he could no longer drive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Donnie and Kenny Radjenovich, and four sisters, Mildred (Milan) Devich, Vaya (Jack) Joyce, Bertie Gates, and Beatrice Radjenovich and his brother-in-law Jack Marzec. He is survived by his beloved wife Ethel Lawther Radjenovich, a son, Nick, a daughter Cathy, two sisters, Gloria Marzec and Rosie Radjenovich, one brother, Nick, his sister-in-law Joan Varacalli, his brother-in-law Al, and many nieces and nephews. Many thanks to his niece Jeanne who was there for him like a daughter and whom he loved very much. Funeral services will be private. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in George's name to an animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements by JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 23, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Ann Sobeck, age 89 of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 22, 2025 at Independence Westmoreland Hospital. She was born on August 5, 1935 in Glassport, a daughter of the late John and Mary Kopchinski Gniazdowski . Mary Ann was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as the chief financial officer at John's Floral and Greenery. Mary Ann looked forward to watching Jeopardy and she liked to read Agatha Christie mystery novels. Most of all, she loved to watch her children and grandchildren play sports. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, John Gniadowski, and a son in law, Thomas Tkach. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 68 years Michael Sobeck, a son Michael B. Sobeck (Pam), three daughters Cynthia Tkach, Janet O'Dell (Paul), Mary Ann Stephenson (Jerry), one brother Frank Gniazdowski, a sister Stella Lokash (Robert), 7 grandchildren Sean O'Dell, Dori McGrew, Cheryl Tkach, Mark Stephenson, Michael Sobeck, Grace Sobeck, and Courtney Stephenson, and a great-grandchild on the way. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 4 PM to 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Thursday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Mary Ann's name to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 22, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donald Dean Schehr, age 92 of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 20, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1932 in Rillton, a son of the late Frank Schehr and Hannah Plues Schehr. Dean was a graduate of Sewickley High School Class of 1950. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Core Room worker for WABCO. Dean was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and he also liked to garden. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and he often frequented local garage sales. Most of all, Dean loved to spend time with his children, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by three brothers, August Schehr, Joseph Schehr, and Frank Schehr, and two sisters Isabelle Brocco and Viola Emili. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Cathy Schehr, three daughters Cathy Vetal (Dan), Dee Dee Korch (Tom), and Kim Fullwood (Charles), two sons Donnie Schehr (Libby), David Schehr (Sue), grandchildren Mark (Kaitlin), Julie (Jordan), Brian (Kristen), Carolyn (Joshua), Darren (Ashlyn), Jenna, Allison, Madison, Michael, Hannah, Kayla (Johnny), and Hayley, two great-grandchildren Lucy and Madison, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at 10 AM, followed by interment in Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Dean's name to the Norwin Chamber of Commerce. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 22, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Leona Mae George Hensler, age 94 of Adamsburg, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 21, 2025. She was born on December 3, 1930 in Turtle Creek. Leona was a member of Charter Oak Methodist Church in Jeannette and previously a member of First United Methodist Church in Irwin. In her free time, she loved to play bingo, crochet, color, and play card games with her grandchildren. Leona was preceded in death by her first husband Charles George in 1970, her second husband Robert Hensler in 2009, and one son-in-law Pete Cruder. She is survived by one son Steven George (and wife Mary Jo), two daughters Sandra Cruder and Lynn Marinello (and husband Phillip), four grandchildren David Singler (and wife Erica), Steven George (and wife Allison), Sara Baird (and husband Ryan), and Michele Gallagher (and husband Will), eight great-grandchildren Spencer, Nico, Taron, Cora, Sadie, Emmy, Levi, and Walker, and two bonus grandchildren Abigail and Adam. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Tuesday from 4 PM to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Leona's name to the Vitas Community Connection hospice organization. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 22, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jeanne M. Messick, age 73 of Cranberry, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 21, 2025. She was born on July 3, 1951 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Henry DiBiase and Ruth Balowitz DiBiase. Jeanne was a member of St. Agnes Church, and she was employed as a registered nurse at Forbes Hospital prior to her retirement. In her free time, Jeanne looked forward to baking, cooking, and reading books, and she always loved to cruise. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son Blaine Messick Jr. and two sisters Toni Dempsey (and husband Walter) and Renee DiBiase. Jeanne is survived by her beloved husband Blaine Messick Sr., one son Jason Messick (and wife Brenda), one brother Richard DiBiase (and wife Kim), and grandchildren Dr. Brandon Messick (and wife Dr. Lauren Messick), Sarah Messick, Emma Messick, and Olivia Messick. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2 PM to 7 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 10 AM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 21, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Marlyn J. Shipley, age 88 of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 20, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1936 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Edward Dias and Gertrude Stearns Dias. Marlyn was a member of the Park Baptist Church in McKeesport, and she was employed as a supervisor at McKeesport Hospital prior to her retirement. She cherished her role as a homemaker, and in her free time she looked forward to playing bingo, writing poems, and completing word search puzzles. Above all, Marlyn was a dedicated Gold Star Mother. In addition to her parents, Marlyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alvin Shipley, one son SPC4 Michael Shipley, one son-in-law Kent Sedlock, one brother Edward Dias, and two sisters Sheryl Bear and Connie Johnson. She is survived by four sons, Alvin Shipley (and wife Terrynn), Raymond Shipley, Randy Shipley (and wife Janis) and Robert Shipley, one daughter Anita Sedlock, two brothers Terry Dias and Darrell Dias, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday from 2-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at 11 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Marlyn's name to a veteran's charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 21, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jean Thomas, age 101 of North Huntingdon died February 19, 2025 at UMPC East, Monroeville. She was born October 2, 1923 in Washington, Pa, a daughter of the late Floyd and Mossie Hunker Hummel. Jean was employed during WWII by Westinghouse Electric. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and decorating. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert H. Thomas in the year 2000, a sister, Mary Jane Morgan. She is survived by one sister, June Garrison, and several nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation. Entombment will be private at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
February 20, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jeremy Aaron. Schmitt age 49 of Jeannette died February 18, 2025 at Independence Westmoreland Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born August 11, 1975 in New York, a son of the late Robert and Geraldine Martchek Schmitt and stepson of John Wagner. Jeremy was a graduate of Norwin, Class of 1993. He later attended WCCC School of Nursing. During his school years, he was employed by Burger King, North Huntingdon, a laborer for Vangura and Sunoco in Jeannette. He was a man of faith, loved ar, music, and the band "The Ramone" . In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his best friend and brother, John Michael Schmitt , his grandparents, Lucille and Edward Martchek. . He is survived by his Uncle Glenn Martchek and his wife Jen, cousin Harlie Nave, niece Ashlee Samuels and loving friend Robyn McGhee. There will be no public visitation. Services were handled by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations through the funeral home website www.shirleyfuneralhome.com to assist with Jeremy's funeral arrangements. Jeremy was an organ donor upon death through CORE, always helping others. "When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him."
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February 17, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James E. Holderfield, age 75 of North Huntingdon passed away February 17, 2025, at Forbes Hospital, Monroeville. He was born May 16, 1949, in Greensburg, a son of the late Darrell and Evelyn Hubaut Holderfield. Prior to his retirement, Jim was employed as a skilled laborer for both the Elliott Company and Lowes. He enjoyed action movies, bowling, golfing, socializing, and reading the newspaper. A 50-year member of the American Legion and member of the Jeannette VFW, Jim was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during Vietnam. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Linda Dobies. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam Haselbarth Holderfield, one son, Casey and his wife Nicole, 4 sisters, Joyce Lock, Sally Page, Dolly Sheridan, Betty Marsala and their spouses. He was Baaba to his two beloved grandchildren, Reese and Aubree. Also surviving is a sister-in-law Lisa Prejza (John) and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Westmoreland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
February 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sharyn Leaha Chervon, 72 of Port Vue died February 14, 2025, at Monroeville Post Acute Care. She was born January 27, 1953, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Ray and Ruth Singleton Casey. Sharyn was a former member of St. Eugene Church, Saints Joachim and Anne Parish in Liberty Borough. She enjoyed shopping, dancing and music. She was a graduate of East Allegheny High School Class of 1970. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ronald in 2014, three brothers, Jimbo, Raymond and John Casey, and a sister Darlene. She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Christy), Brian (Sandra), and Todd Chervon, one brother Edward Casey, two sisters, Kimberly Gatto (Blaise), Debra Kasony, grandchildren, Ashley (Matt Albensi), Jasmine, Laila, Alexander and Abigail, one great grandchild, Maverick Albensi. 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. A blessing service will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
February 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lois M. Puglia, age 98 of McKeesport died February 14, 2025, at Golden Heights Personal Care Home in Irwin. She was born August 9, 1926, in Pottsville PA, a daughter of the late Irvin and Priscilla Gauntlet Horn. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish in White Oak where she was a devoted Christian Mother. Lois loved her family, taking care of her husband and trips to their camp in Cameron County. Lois always gave the best hugs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Puglia in 2017 and brother William Horn. She is survived by her son Joseph Puglia (Beverly), two daughters Judy Riley (Robert) and Carol Lieberum (Mark), 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Friends will be received on Monday from 3-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi Church with interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a veteran charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 13, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Brandon Michael Schmeltz, age 44 of Herminie passed away February 12, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born January 2, 1981, son of the late Art Schmeltz and Karen and Pat Mohan. Brandon was a loving husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. He was an exceptional man who loved life to the fullest and was always the life of the party, dancing, laughing, causing havoc and always out to have a good time. He loved his family, friends and most of all his grandchildren. He was proud of the plaster business he had built for himself and was a great provider for his family always going above and beyond. Brandon was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved all Pittsburgh sports. He enjoyed watching Yough High School sports and supporting the kids. He was a baseball coach for Sewickley Recreational Baseball for 9 years. He enjoyed coaching and bonding with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Clair who he loved very much, "Thats my B...". The memories we have created will last a lifetime. You will always be in our hearts; may you protect and watch over us all until we meet again. We love you and will always love you. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister Valgene and brother John Schmeltz. He is survived by his wife of 19 years Delaine Oblak Schmeltz, son Hunter Schmeltz, daughter Haley Morris (Braden), grandson Braden Zvara, granddaughter Lilyan, brothers, Brian Schmeltz, Pat Mohan Jr., Mike Mohan, Dee Schmeltz and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Saturday from 3-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Yough High School Athletic Department. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 11, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
In each of our lives there comes a time when the earthly body can no longer hold the spirit within. It is with deep sorrow and hopeful joy that the family of Susan Claire "Sue" (Robertson) Cahill announces her passing on February 8, 2025, after an illness. All remembrances of her life will be done privately, pursuant to her wishes. Donations to the Cornerstone Ministries Food Bank in Murrysville, where she worked, would be greatly appreciated (lifewithcornerstone.com).
Born on April 18, 1952, Sue was preceded in death by her father, John Wesley "Jack" Robertson Jr., her mother Claire Oliva (Harding) Robertson, and her younger brother John Wesley "Johnny" Robertson III. Sue is survived by her husband of 50 years Thomas P. Cahill, her sisters Sandy Goodwin (husband Howard) and Sally Stewart (husband Russ), and her brother Michael Robertson (wife Maggie). She leaves four children; daughter Shannon Gilman (husband Donn) with grandson Jeremy (wife Jessica) having great-grandchildren Saylor, Sutton, and Eastyn, and granddaughter Sydney; daughter Anna-Marie Brown (husband Jeff) with granddaughter Geneva; son Tony Cahill (wife Tracy) with grandson Bob (wife Sharita) having great-grandchildren Keira and Carissa, and grandson Anthony.
(wife Alexis); and son Sean Cahill (wife Chrissie) with granddaughters Haley and Katie. Sue possessed a unique blend of wonderful qualities that made her such a special person. She had the wisdom to know what's what and the fortitude to tell you so. She also had the humbleness and humility of someone who experienced the trials and tribulations of life, with empathy and compassion for those going through their own struggles. Sue's great joys in life were her family, her dogs and cat, her gardens, and community work with her church. Our sadness comes from the physical loss, and Sue will be dearly missed. Our joy comes in the knowledge that her spirit is free, her burdens are now laid down, and her pain is gone. It is our hope that all who knew her are inspired by the grace, dignity, and honor she showed while here with us.
