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Jeanne M. Messick

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

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Marlyn Shipley

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

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Jean Thomas

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.

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Jeremy Aaron Schmitt

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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James E. Holderfield

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.

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Sharyn Leaha Chervon

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.

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Lois M. Puglia

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

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Brandon Michael Schmeltz

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

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Susan Cahill

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.

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Douglas Turk Sr.

February 09, 2025 |

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

Douglas A. Turk Sr., age 62 of Greensburg passed away on February 9, 2025. He was born on January 8, 1963 in McKeesport, a son of the late Andrew Turk Jr. and Joann Stark Turk. Doug was a graduate of Norwin High School in the class of 1982. Prior to his retirement, Doug was employed as a vocational-technical teacher where he instructed aspiring diesel mechanic technicians. He was also a volunteer firefighter for both the Circleville and Herminie Volunteer Fire Departments. In his free time, Doug enjoyed motorsports, flying remote controlled aircraft, and studying history, especially WWII. In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by one brother David. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Jo Zalakar Turk, two sons Douglas Turk Jr. and William Turk (and fiancée Jamie), one daughter Amanda Walker (and husband David) one brother William Turk, one sister Kathie Spoon, and grandchildren Miranda Turk, Lukas Walker, and Skylar Walker. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Thursday from 2 PM to 6 PM. A closing prayer will take place at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Doug's family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Carol A. Jeffcoat

February 09, 2025 |

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

Carol A. Jeffcoat, age 86 of Herminie, passed away on February 8, 2025.  She was born on October 2, 1938 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Ralph Weinel and Alice Gearing Weinel.  Carol cherished her role as a homemaker and she always took pride in keeping a tidy house.  In her free time, she loved to cook.  In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ken in 2009, and one sister Linda Jeffcoat.  She is survived by one brother Ralph Blaine Weinel (and wife Cheryl) and numerous nieces and nephews.  There will be no public visitation.  James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Jon A. Warden

February 07, 2025 |

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

Jon A. (Jack) Warden passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7th. He was born June 22,1933 in Philadelphia, a son of the late James A. Warden and Theresa Barnhouse Warden. Jon graduated from McDonald High School in 1951 and later from the University of Pittsburgh. After attending high school during the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard as an Aviation Machinist Mate and a member of a flight crew. Jon was retired from U.S. Steel and their subsidiary railroads in the industrial engineering and transportation departments. Later he worked as a rural Mail Carrier for a number of years. He was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan since the mid-forties. He coached boys’ basketball in the P.A.L. organization for 10 years and was an active member of the Markvue Manor recreation organization. He had an interest in old cars, having owned 2 classic cars. He enjoyed return trips to California, and for a number of years he spent the winter months in Boca Raton, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Donna (Slack) Warden. In addition to his parents, Jon was preceded in death by his infant daughter Dawn Ann, a sister Virginia Warden and a grandson Alex Krivoniak. He is survived by a daughter Diane Krivoniak (Dan) of Latrobe; two sons, Neal (Margaret) of North Huntingdon; Allen (Christine) of Irwin; seven grandchildren Lelia Warden, Martine (John) Krugh, Landon Warden, Shane Warden, Crista Krivoniak, Alexa Krivoniak and Tyler (Jenny) Warden, and five great-grandchildren Brynna, Lennon, Vance, Virginia and Sadie. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at 11 AM. Interment will be private. We would like to thank the staff at Redstone in North Huntingdon for their wonderful care, and in particular Jenn Caruso, Jon’s Hospice Nurse. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jon’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Kenneth "Bones" Watson

February 02, 2025 |

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

Kenneth "Bones" Watson, age 63 of North Huntingdon, passed away on February 1, 2025. He was born on January 6, 1962 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Edward Watson and Victoria Jagiello Watson. Ken was a graduate of Norwin High School in the class of 1980. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Norwin Manufacturing as a machinist. Ken was a member of the Fairmont Hahntown Volunteer Fire Department where he was in charge of the pool league, and he was also a member of the Italian Miner's Society. He also loved to golf and hunt. Ken is survived by his son Quentin Watson, two brothers Edward Jr. (and wife Michelle) and Thomas Watson, four sisters Patricia Palmer (and husband William), Karen Watson, Roberta McDonald (and husband John Sr.), and Donna McDonald (and husband Joel), and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Wednesday from 4-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to Ken's family through the funeral home website. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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William "Bill" Hooke

January 29, 2025 |

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

William Hooke (Bill) age 62 of North Huntingdon passed away at home on January 28, 2025 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on April 30, 1962 in Homestead, a son of the late Charles and Alice (Loutsenhizer) Hooke. Bill was a 1980 graduate of Norwin High School and a 1984 graduate of Point Park College. Bill was a member of First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport where he served in teen ministry and the church café. He lived by faith and is now with Jesus. Bill was employed by Lance Inc. and then worked and retired from the United States Postal Service. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan including the Pitt Panthers, attending many football and basketball games. He also had a love for music, some of his favorite bands were Queen, Kansas and Billy Joel to name a few. Family was everything, and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy while attending all of their activities and sports. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Jared Lee Hooke and his father-in-law Donald Austin. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Erin (Austin) Hooke, four sons Joshua (Samantha), Jonathan (Carley), Jesse (Amber), Jadon, grandchildren Jayce, Charlotte, Lyam and Marshall. He is also survived by three sisters Debbie (Tom) Javor, Kathy (Fred) Furia, Susan (Albert) Smith, mother-in-law Shirley Austin, sister-in-law Tracy (Bill) Hawley, brothers-in-law Donn (Cindy) Austin, Chad Austin (Curren) and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike North Huntingdon, PA 15642 on Friday, January 31st from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 1st at First Evangelical Free Church, 4001 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132, with Pastor Kevin Labby and Pastor Alex Ielase officiating. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Bill's name to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Dolores E. Halas

January 25, 2025 |

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

Dolores E. Halas, 88 of North Huntingdon passed away January 25, 2025 at Transitions Health Care, North Huntingdon. She was born October 21, 1936 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late George and Julia Lovas Jacob. Dolores was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church in Mckeesport. She was a member of the Markvue Manor Women's Club, a tour guide for AARP 3221 of North Huntingdon and the Red Hats Society. Dolores was crowned Miss Magyar (Miss Hungary) in 1955. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband William M. in 2023, brother George Jacob and a sister, Marie Varga. She is survived by two sons, Scott Halas (Lisa) of Penn Township , Mark Halas of Mt. Pleasant, two grandchildren, Brandon Halas (Susi) and Danielle Boger (William), two great grandchildren, Oliver and Benjamin. a sister in law Joyce Jacob and numerous nieces and nephew. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 3-7 P.M. Interment will be private at Long Run Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneral home.com.