January 20, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John D. Stokum, age 78 of Irwin, passed away on January 19, 2024 at Hempfield Manor. He was born on January 12, 1946 in Greensburg, a son of the late Clarence Jacob and Hazel Alberta Mathias Stokum. John was a 1966 graduate of Jeannette High School and a veteran in the US Army where he served as a Corporal in the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, John was employed by Metal Finishing Industries. He was a member of Norwin Christian Church, an avid hunter, enjoyed gardening, maintaining the yard, and loved working on his tan. His favorite vacation destination was Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Every summer, John looked forward to visiting his family at the annual reunion. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty DiNardo, Lois Stokum, Lillian Tocco, Delores Couchenour, Ilene Anderson, Genevieve Klingensmith, and brothers Thomas Stokum and Clarence Jacob Stokum, Jr.. John is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Janet Shields Stokum, son J.C. (Laura) Stokum, daughter Keri (Pete) Radford, sister Charlotte Saint, brother Paul Joseph (Judy) Stokum, grandchildren Lauren Radford, Ella Radford, Kayla Stokum, and Landon Stokum, sister-in-law Roxanne Stokum, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and his canine companion, Bailey. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to All But Furgotten animal shelter. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 18, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Martha Reuss (nee Harrold), age 88 of Irwin, Hempfield Township, passed away on January 17, 2024, at Independence Health Westmoreland Hospital. She was born on October 6, 1935 in Circleville, a daughter of the late Lee and Caroline (Broker) Harrold. She was married to her high school sweetheart and soulmate, George, for 69 years. Martha was a member of St. Edwards Church in Herminie, where she was a former member of the Sunshine Club. She was co-owner with her husband and the office manager at Reuss Engineers, Inc. She was formerly employed by West Penn Power in Pittsburgh and Cabin Hill. She was also employed by Jeannette Glass in the purchasing Department. Martha was an avid bowler and competed every year at nationals. She was once awarded Woman Bowler of the Year in Western Pennsylvania. Martha also enjoyed the outdoors and riding her horse. She held many jobs over the years, but her favorite and most important job was as a mother and grandmother, which she did to perfection. She was the heart and soul of her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Lee Harrold and William Harrold, and her sister, Caroline Swanson. She is survived by her beloved husband George; four sons: George and wife Lisa, Jim and wife Melanie, Dave and wife Chris, John and wife Janet; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and countless others who loved her. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-7 P.M. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 22, at St. Edward Parish in Herminie. Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westmoreland Humane Society, www.westmorelandhumanesociety.com. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 16, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lynn Ann Balego, 77 years young from North Irwin passed away Monday January 15,2024. She was born August 8, 1946 in Wilkinsburg, a daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy Lukehart Divelbiss. Lynn was a graduate of Norwin High School and Gale Institute. She also attended Ball State University and the University of Notre Dame.
She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Irwin. Lynn worked many years as an administrative assistant within various companies including the Norwin Chamber of Commerce and Shuster's. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Doug Divelbiss and her sister, Nancy Divelbiss. She was the loving wife to Chuck Balego, beloved mother of Tye (Jesse), Tawnie (Brian) and Tarra (Bill) and dearly loved by her grandchildren, Cameron, Chantall, CJ, Ciersten, Autumn, Bella, Addison, Sydnee, Gabby and her precious pup Jazzy.
There will be no public visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Rose Bar and Grille, 2811 Lincoln Way, White Oak on Saturday, January 27 from 1-3 P.M. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ASPCA in memory of Lynn Balego. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 15, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert Matibe, age 90 of North Huntingdon, passed away on January 15, 2024. He was born on April 4th, 1933 in McKeesport PA, a son of the late Herman and Coral Pierce Matibe. Robert was a US. Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a retired plumber for Cost Plumbing in Forest Hills and a member of Paintertown Lutheran Church. Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and playing dartball for his church. In addtition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosemary Cupak Matibe, sons Richard and Jeffrey, brother Richard, and sister Betty Reon. Robert is survived by his son Dan (Yong Cha), daughters Cynthia Caninzun and Sue Matibe, grandchildren Alicia Veitch, Leeza Gordon (Casey), Aaron Caninzun, Christopher Matibe (Samantha), Michael Matibe, Diana Matibe, Amanda Bussard (Ben Hank), and Courtney Bussard, and great grandchildren Skylar, Landon, Sofia, Thea, Scarlett, and Robert. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA 15642. A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 11AM in the funeral home chapel with private interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Paintertown Lutheran Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 15, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Edward Landini, age 99 of North Huntingdon died January 14, 2024 at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon. He was born May 12, 1924 in Sutersville, Pa., a son of the late Bruno and Lydia Saccani Landini. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Sutersville Lumber Co. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a military police officer having served during WWII. He was stationed in Washington D.C. and Massachusetts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Thomas Edward Landini, two brothers, Earl and Bruno Landini. He is survived by his beloved wife Louise Christie Landini and daughter in law, Peggy Landini (Steve Kern) . There will be no public visitation at this time. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirelyfuneralhome.com.
January 13, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert W. Kitta, age 64 of North Huntingdon peacefully passed away on January 12, 2024 at his home while surrounded by family. He was born on April 8th, 1959 in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late Peter and Wilma May Fisher Kitta. Bob was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1977. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Bob was a retired night-shift Clinical Technician at UPMC Western Psych and Resolve Crisis Center. His most cherished hobby was being Pap-Pap to his granddaughter Sophia (Squidget). He also enjoyed long Sunday drives and rides on his Indian motorcycle with his beloved wife Monica. Bob was a member of several charity-based biker organizations. He always looked forward to golfing with his brothers, Dan and Pete. Bob will be greatly missed by his cavachon Dusty. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Carol Mesiarik and sister-in-law Helen Ann Chabanik. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Monica Chabanik Kitta, daughter Ashley (Blake Lloyd), son Adam (Brittany Kluegel), brothers Dan (Patricia), and Peter (Donna), father-in-law William Chabanik, sisters-in-law Linda Carlson, Margaret Ursta, and Roseanne Debruyn, granddaughter Sophia Belle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Bob never met anyone who wasn't a friend. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18th from 2-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 9:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 12, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert Kistler, age 61 of Irwin, passed away on January 11, 2024 at his home. He was born September 17, 1962 in Greensburg, a son of Arthur and the late Sandra Wilson Kistler. He was a 1981 graduate of Coulter Road Baptist School. Robert was self-employed as a mechanic. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching Nascar, WWE wrestling, and collecting model cars. He is survived by his beloved wife Tammy Roycroft Kistler, three sons Robert, Christopher (Brooke), and Adam Kistler, daughters Louisa Carney (Dominique Brown Sr.), April Polansky (Matthew), brother Michael (Edith), and grandchildren, James, Serenity, Dominique Jr., Jacob, Jackson, and Jameson. Friends will be recieved on Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia A. Kowalsky, age 84 of Wendel, Pa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Independence (Excela) Hospital. She was born September 4, 1939 in Westmoreland County and resided there her entire life. She was the oldest daughter of the late Anthony J.Andrews and the late Eleanor (Helen) Andrews Kolikowski of Wendel, PA. She was retired from the First National Bank in Herminie where she served as a teller for many years. She enjoyed oldies, music, and spending time with her friends, "The Golden Girls." In the summertime , she enjoyed planting her flowers. She was a member of several oldies music groups including, P.O.R.C.C and S.O.C.. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John S. Kowalsky in 2015 and a brother, Edward Andrews of Mt. Wolf. She was the loving mother to Antoinette "Toni" Dezorzi (Ted) of Candler, AZ and, Leslie Brough (Tim) of North Huntingdon. She was the very proud grandmother of 4 grandsons, Christopher Dezorzi, Keith Dezorzi, Mason Brough, and Trevor Brough. She is survived by her sibling William Andrews (Brockway, Pa and Rose Lapina (John) of Irwin, sister-in-laws, Marica Andrews of Mt. Wolf, Pa, Agnes Gabonay of West Newton and Barbara Bracovich of Orange City,Fl and many nieces and nephews. Per Pat's wishes, there will be no viewing, a visitation and celebration of life will be held privately. James W. Shirley Funeral Home 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements.
January 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia M. "Patti" Starner, age 79 of Westmoreland City died peacefully on January 10, 2024 at her home. She was born February 9, 1944 in West Mifflin, a daughter of the late Robert and Barbara Bost Moffat. Patti was the owner of the former Hempfield House and Huntingdon House. She was a member of the Women of the Moose, Irwin, American Legion of both Manor and Claridge, and a social member of the Larimer firehall. Patti enjoyed spending time with her family, was a Mickey Mouse enthusiast, enjoyed polkas and oldies music on Sundays, and loved traveling to Aruba. Patti and her husband were also named Ambassadors to Aruba. She is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years Charles A. Jr, one son, Michael J. Long (Kimberly), one daughter Romi Long Swank (Rob), one brother Robert Moffat (Helen), 4 grandchildren, Nicole Kwaczala (Jon), James Harbulak, Madison Long Kleinwaks (Justin), Marissa Long, and great grandchildren Jaxson, Charlotte, and Jonathan. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Sunday from 2-6PM with a service at 6. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ardara Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Shirley Ann (Brown) Auld, 91, formerly of Irwin, PA, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, in St. Andrews Village, Indiana, PA. She was born in McKeesport, PA, on March 18, 1932, to the late William and Alice (Donmore) Brown. She graduated from East Pittsburgh High School as valedictorian of the class of 1949, then attended Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education. Shirley taught health at Norwin Jr. High West for three decades.
After retiring, she lived in Florida and South Carolina, returning to Pennsylvania in 2014. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Derry. In her free time, Shirley was an avid reader, sometimes finishing an entire book in a day. She loved all things
to do with cowboys and the Wild West and was a big fan of Clint Eastwood westerns. Always a learner, she spent time googling history, geography, nature, movies, and music. She had an amazing sense of humor, and the thing she enjoyed most was laughing with family and friends. Surviving Shirley are her children, daughter Lynne (Steve) Bassler of Indiana, son
Gregg (Natalie) Auld of Lancaster, SC., grandchildren Arwen and Brendon Bassler, Christine Auld, and Ross Hebrank, and great-grandchildren Nathanial Clarkin and Maven Bassler. Besides her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband James Auld, Jr., a daughter Suzanne Hebrank, and her sister Janet Kott. She was a light and a joy to know. Heaven will
enjoy her! Friends will be received by the family on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon, in the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.shirleyfuneralhome.com or www.bowserminich.com.
January 09, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Killian Scot Carolan, age 29 of North Huntingdon died January 8, 2024. He was born April 21, 1994 in Monroeville, a son of Todd and Nancy (Blinkhorn) Carolan. He graduated from Norwin Class of 2012 and University of Pittsburgh Johnstown with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science. He was employed by ASA Software Solutions as a software engineer. He enjoyed flying kites, RC airplanes, RC cars, gaming, going to the casino, and hiking. He was preceded in death by grandparents John and Jackie Carolan, and his Aunt Brianne Huey. In addition to his parents Todd and Nancy Carolan, he is survived by sisters, Felicia Berkepile (Dan) and Alley Scott (Mike), grandparents Robert and Nancy Blinkhorn, aunts and uncles Bob Blinkhorn, Tim Blinkhorn (Diane), and Shawn Carolan (Susie), Heather Herr (Bryan), and his cats OJay and Blackie. Friends will be received Monday January 15, 10 AM – 12 PM followed by a service at 12 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike. Interment will follow at Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org). www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 07, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Shollenberger, 74 of North Huntingdon died peacefully January 6, 2024 at Redstone Highlands Health Care Center in Greensburg. She was born August 28, 1949 in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late John T. and Claire Flanagan Baker the late Mary Baker. She was a member of St. Agnes Church where she was a former member of the Parent Teachers Guild where she served as president, board member of Norwin Area Meals on Wheels, North Huntingdon AARP 3221, and former president of Markvue Manor Women’s Club. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a registered dietician at Westmoreland and Jeannette hospitals as well as for the Pennsylvania WIC program. She was a graduate at Hallahan High School in Philadelphia, received her Bachelor’s Degree from Immaculata University, and received her Master’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her husband Earl Shollenberger, son John, daughter Leigh Ann, brother John T. Baker, Jr., and sisters Dr. Carol Baker Tronzo (Bob) and Barbara J. Lim (Charles). Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike. A funeral mass will be held Friday 10 AM at St. Agnes Church followed by interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Norwin Area Meals on Wheels. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 05, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Gladys R. Foscoe, age 83 of North Huntingdon died Jan 4, 2024 at Transitions Health Care Centre in North Huntingdon. She was born April 26, 1940 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Thomas and Gladys (Shuber) Iwinski. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Richard, son Greg and brothers Joseph and Dave Iwinski. She is survived by sons Richard Foscoe (Debi) and William Foscoe, daughter Judi McNally (Tim), grandchildren Lyndsay McNally, Timothy McNally (Janelle), Brittany Javorsky (Jorn), Tiffany Foscoe, and Ricky Foscoe, great grandchildren Morynna, Wade, and Jolene, brothers James Iwinski and Charles (Eileen) Iwinski and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of Judi McNally 12030 Center Stree, North Huntingdon Pa 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
January 04, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
In Loving Memory of Dr. Thomas A. Dias. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Thomas A. Dias, 62, of North Huntingdon. He died unexpectedly of a cardiac arrest on January 1st, 2024. Tom was a vibrant person who lit up a room and has had a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to have known him. Born in McKeesport in 1961, Tom was the cherished son of Rosemary Dias and the late Thomas M. Dias and brother to Tracey. He was a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School in 1979. He received his undergraduate education at Auburn University and WVU, followed by his DMD from Temple University School of Dentistry, where he met his future wife. He was a loving husband of 35 years to Jeanne, a proud father to his daughters, Christina and Jessica, and father-in-law to Andrew. Tom also had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Lily and the late Lacey, and grand dogs, Mika and Kaiya. Tom was fortunate to have a large extended family and many close friends. Tom’s devotion extended beyond his family and into his professional life. A dedicated and skilled dentist, Tom was the proud owner of dental practices in Irwin and Versailles. His commitment to the well-being and smiles of his patients defined his professional life. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was an accomplished golfer, bowler, skier, pianist, and singer. He truly excelled at each of these pursuits and lived a full and happy life. To honor Tom’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (humaneanimalrescue.org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org). In doing so, we can continue his legacy of caring for others. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday , January 13, 2024 from 1-5 p.m. at Moments Event Center, 231 Jennie Drive, North Huntingdon, Pa (lower end of funeral home parking lot) James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 03, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
On January 3, 2024, William “Bill” Gene Nay passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. Born in Fairmont, West Virginia to William Harold and Francis Imogene Nay, he was a 1968 graduate of Norwin. His career path lead him from journeyman electrician at US Steel Duquesne Works to an international project manager. Bill was active in NCAA and American Legion baseball. He was a member of the Plum Creek Masonic Lodge and the Monroeville Pitcairn Sports Club. He enjoyed gambling on golf holes with friends, Bob and Ralph, fishing meetings with Dan and John, big foot talk with Dwayne and motorcycling cross country with Clay. Bill was preceded in death by his son William “Billy” Buchanan Nay, his parents, and in-laws, Robert and Helen Buchanan. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judith, son Robert (Lisa) and grandchildren Von, Sullivan, and Jelena Nay of Cary, North Carolina, daughter Stacy (Brian) and grandchildren Nash and Ridge Youngbauer of North Huntingdon, brother-in-law Robert (Cindie) Buchanan of St. Petersburg, Florida, Uncle Rex Shuman of Fort Wayne, Indiana and his canine shadow, Lucy. The family wishes to extend a thank you to Treasure, Karen and Dara from hospice and caregiver Chad for providing a comfortable and dignified life for Bill. Also, thank you to family members and friends who supported and encouraged Bill while battling his illness. RIP, Bill, May the angels above guide you on your final ride. Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
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