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Wilma Reusch

July 27, 2021 |

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

Wilma Reusch, 85, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at her home.  She was born September 16, 1935 in Wilkinsburg, a daughter of the late Cyril and Viola (Allshouse) James. Wilma enjoyed working in her yard, crafting and baking.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl W. Reusch Jr.; brother, Butch James; sisters, Carol Kelly and Marylou Peterson.  She is survived by her sons, Randy W. (Cathy) Reusch and Rusty Reusch; daughters, Barbara (Raad) Algatrani, Patricia Otto, Cindy Helpenstell, Carol Lencoski; sisters, Linda McNiece, Dorrine Mamrose; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.  Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greensburg Humane Society.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Anthony R. Palmieri

July 23, 2021 |

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

Anthony R. Palmieri, 17, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. He was born January 2, 2004 in Pittsburgh, son of Lynn Ramsey Bell and James Palmieri. Anthony was a junior in High School and enjoyed playing basketball, football, listening to music, gaming and especially loved his cats, Rubert, Bubbs and Scrimmy. Anthony was a loving and sweet son and brother, and loyal friend. He is survived by his maternal grandparents, Russ and Jan Ramsey; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Alberta Palmieri; brother, Dominic; sister, Angelia; stepfather, Dave Bell; stepbrother, Tyler Bell; stepsister, Casey Bell; aunts, Tracy Socci, Laura Branton; cousins, Saige, Lindsay and Elysse; girlfriend, Skyy and numerous friends. Friends will be received from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ray Kenneth Long

July 19, 2021 |

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

Ray K. Long, 91, of North Huntingdon, Pa., passed away Monday, July 19, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. Son of the late Harry and Sarah Long.   He was preceded in death by Wife of 59 years Sally Long and daughter Carole Long-Huzella at age 57. Ray was a US Navy veteran of 4 years during the Korean War. He graduated from Penn State Extension McKeesport. He retired in 1990 from IBM after 35 years. Ray was a life member of the Amateur Trap Association, NRA, North America Hunting Club, White Oak Rod & Gun Club, America League and a social number of the Hartford Height VFD.  He is survived by his son, Scott Long of St. Petersburg FL.; son-in-law, Thomas Huzella of Alexandria VA; cherished grandfather of Mollie Huzella-Camp; and great-grandfather of Tommy Camp.  Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Frank H. Stratton Jr.

July 16, 2021 |

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

Frank H. Stratton Jr. age 55 of North Huntingdon died July 15, 2021 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born September 23, 1965 in Greensburg, Pa., a son of the late Frank and Alberta Common Stratton. Frank was employed in the construction / home building business. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and was an overall handyman. He is survived by his fiancee , Lora Moss, one brother, Thomas Stratton and his wife Beth, two nephews , Alan and Steven and one niece Amanda. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ronald E. Peduzzi

July 14, 2021 |

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

On July 13, 2021, Heaven welcomed Ronald E. Peduzzi, husband, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, principal, coach, friend and last, but certainly not least, Marine.  Simply put, Ron was an institution, a force of nature and a true example of a life well lived.  Even during these past few years, he remained a real fighter.  There is not enough room in this column to share all the wonderful stories about Ron but, luckily, those stories will live on in our memories.   

Ron's story began on August 17, 1933 when he was born to Reynold and Anna Peduzzi.  Ron and his twin brother, Rey, joined their brother Carl (Chief) and their sister Joanne (Sis) at the Peduzzi home in Trafford, Pennsylvania.  Ron loved working with his father and his brothers on their model trains and helping out at the family's garage, Reynold's Motor Company, in East Pittsburgh.  But Ron loved even more his mother's cooking, especially her renowned nut bread and chicken rice soup.  Ron excelled at sports, including football, baseball and basketball.  After graduation from Trafford High School in 1951, Ron went on to attend Geneva College.  During his time at Geneva, the football team had one of its best records ever and he was honored as a member of the Geneva College All-Time Football Team and the Tri-District College First Football Team.  After graduating from Geneva College in 1955, Ron was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps,  He served in Korea and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve, after a proud 30-year career, as a full-bird Colonel.  

His love of the Corps was rivaled only by his love for Carolyn, his beloved wife of over fifty-three years, and his love for his three beautiful daughters: Mary, Lauren and Anita.  Ron and Carolyn never lost the spark after meeting on a blind date in 1965, and his daughters idolized their father.  The stories of Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners surrounded by his family and friends could fill volumes.  Ron was a lucky man to have Carolyn and his daughters by his side these last few days.  

After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education from the University Pittsburgh, Ron went on to become Assistant Principal of Greater Latrobe High School and then served as Principal of his beloved Norwin Knights for 25 wonderful years (1971 to 1996).  Ron also received his principal certification from Duquesne University.  Ron served as President of the Association of Secondary School Principals, and was the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Norwin Rotary Club, which honored him for his distinguished service over the years to the community.  But, above all else, Ron was a true mentor to so many students and members of the faculty, whether he was teaching math, serving as a coach of the baseball and football teams or while at the helm in the role of Principal.  Indeed, the outpouring of support he received these past few months in cards and letters from students and teachers over the years illustrated how much he was loved by--and how much he truly loved--the Norwin community.   

After his retirement, Carolyn and Ron traveled the world, spanning Japan, China, Russia, and most of Europe.  In one epic adventure, he, Carolyn, along with his siblings and their spouses, drove up to the beautiful mountains of Northern Italy to visit, among other picturesque spots, the Peduzzi family province of Schignano.  Ron and Carolyn later moved to the sunny shores of Swansboro, North Carolina where they lived for 16 wonderful years. During that time, Ron honed his life-long love of racquetball by challenging much younger Marines on the courts at Camp Lejeune (and beating them).  He also volunteered at a men's shelter and lent his time and considerable wood-working skills to build a camp for children from under-served communities.  Ron continued to work in his garage, building beautiful pieces of furniture that proudly adorn Carolyn's and his daughter's homes. 

Importantly, Ron's story does not end here--it lives on.  Those of us who had the pleasure to know Ron know well how much of a positive influence he had on those around him.  He loved life, found joy in the simple things and would give someone the shirt off his back. He was an amazing presence and his legacy will live on in the innumerable lives he touched.  Ron was welcomed into Heaven by his loving parents, his older brother Carl and his wife Agnes, his Cousin Cel, Sis' husband Harry, his grand-daughter Janie Margaret Ryan, and countless other family and friends.  His receiving line at the Pearly Gates must have been remarkable.  

Ron had many wonderful sayings, but one in particular sums him up perfectly: "First class all the way."  Ron, you will always be "first class all the way" in our book. You will be truly missed.  Semper Fidelis and God Bless.   

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  The funeral procession will proceed thru the Norwin Senior High School Campus at 9:30 a.m. for those students and teachers who would like to say farewell to Mr. Peduzzi.  Interment to follow after the mass in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Lejeune Fisher House for Wounded Warriors, 4 Recovery Way, Camp Lejeune, NC  28547.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Patricia Palm

July 14, 2021 |

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

Patricia Palm, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Upper Chesapeake Hospital, Bel Air, MD.  She was born April 2, 1945 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Betty Quear and John Drahusz, and stepfather, Gary Quear.  Patricia was a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour and she enjoyed watching game shows, loved dogs and was an Elvis Presley fan.  She is survived by her husband, Donald Palm; daughter, Tracie Ulmes and her husband, Kevin; half-brother, John Drahusz; grandchildren, Abby and Patrick.  Friends will be received from 3-7  p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pittsburgh.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Peter Gaudino

July 13, 2021 |

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

Peter R. Gaudino, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021 at his home.  He was born July 29, 1940 in Latrobe, a son of the late Peter T. and Patricia (McFeeley) Gaudino.  He was a member of St. Agnes Parish.  Prior to his retirement, Peter worked as the parts department manager at Hamilton Buick and Pontiac and Jons Cadillac; as a forklift operator at the Volkswagen New Stanton Plant;  and as an associate in the parts department at Kenny Ross Chevrolet.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards, and playing the slot machines at all the local casinos, and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan.  Peter was a loving father, grandfather and husband, and devoted his time caring for his wife, JoAnn before her passing in 2019.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas P. Gaudino.  He is survived by his son, Rick Gaudino and his wife, Margie; daughters, Michele Evans and her husband, Mark, Patti Andrison and her husband, Geoff; grandchildren, Katie (Julian Pacheco) and Tony Gaudino, Jennifer and Patrick Evans; and great-grandchildren, Vincent and Jordyn Pacheco.  There will be no visitation.  A memorial and interment service will be held for both Peter and JoAnn at a later date.  Please contact Rick Gaudino if you would like information regarding the memorial at 240-405-8039.  Donations may be made to All But Furgotten Animal Shelter.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 
 


Annamae E. Syme

July 08, 2021 |

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

Annamae E. Syme, 95 of North Huntingdon died July 7, 2021 at Forbes Regional Hospital. She was born January 25, 1926 in West Mifflin, Pa,,  a daughter of the late Fred and Anne Barker Leamer. Annamae was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Irwin. She enjoyed sewing, bingo, quilting and frequently was a lucky lotto winner. Annamae was past worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of AARP.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee in 2001, one son, Robert John, three brothers, Bill, Fred and Richy Leamer, one sister, Doris Getty.

 
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Elizabeth "Betty" M. Rose

July 07, 2021 |

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

Elizabeth "Betty" M.  Rose, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021 at her home.  She was born, February 26, 1932 in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Joseph and Florence (Morocco) Warren. 

Elizabeth was co-owner of the Greater Pittsburgh Drive-in and Blue Dell Pool.  She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and past president and lifetime member of the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed baking, cooking and working in her flower gardens.

 
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Gregory S. Petty

July 02, 2021 |

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

Gregory S. Petty, 63, of Wilpen, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021.  He was born, September 13, 1957 in Ligonier, a son of the late George and Louise (Labuda) Petty. Prior to his retirement, Gregory was a mixer for Pelikan Imaging Systems.  There will be no visitation.  Private interment in St. Ann Cemetery, Wilpen, PA.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Geraldine "Gerry" R. Reed

July 02, 2021 |

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

Geraldine "Gerry" R. Reed, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living, Export, PA.  She was born March 24, 1941 in Hays, PA, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Rose (Bonacci) Rota.  Prior to her retirement, Gerry was a beautician and a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.  She enjoyed trips to the casinos and playing Bingo.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Reed.  She is survived by her son, William J. Jr.; daughter, Deborah Ann Feczko and her husband, Jim; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline; brother, Anthony Rota; grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas (Emily), Brian, Nathan; great-grandchildren, Lily and Addy.  There will be no visitations.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  Interment to follow in Restland Cemetery, Monroeville.  The family would like to thank Brookdale Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Kenneth M. Kmetz

July 02, 2021 |

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

Kenneth M. Kmetz, 73, of Irwin, passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  He was born January 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Andrew and Agnes (Wrignovicz) Kmetz.  Prior to his retirement, Ken was  a steelworker for J&L Steel and a safety officer for Forbes Tower and Western Psych.  He was a veteran of the US Army stationed in South Korea as a military police officer during the Vietnam Era and was a member of St. Edward Parish, Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Council 9019.  He enjoyed traveling, trips to the casino, and playing Sudoku.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Price and Andrew, Kmetz, and sister, Kathryn Rentfro.  He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Kmetz; son, Jacob Kmetz; daughter, Amanda Kmetz; sister, Cheryl (Kenneth) Petruska; and his beloved cat, Rooney.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in St. Edward Parish.  Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA  91365.    www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Louis L. "Lou-eye" Durka

June 30, 2021 |

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

Louis L. "Lou-eye" Durka, age 73, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Irwin died June 28, 2021 at the Grove, North Huntingdon. He was born May 16, 1948 in Belle Vernon, a son of the late James and Dorothy Durka. Lou was the owner of Custom Concrete. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, canning, doing concrete work, old western movies, his truck, Old Milwaukee beer ( non-alcoholic). Lou-eye was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and James Durka. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Eddy Durka, one son, Nathan Durka (Mark), his daughter, Miranda Ohl Durka, sister, Sandra Campaino, A private memorial service will be held at a later date. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Earl S. Farmer

June 28, 2021 |

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

Earl S. Farmer, 95, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Walden's View, N. Huntingdon.  He was born September 21, 1925 in Collier, PA, a son of the late Charles and Mabel Murphy Smith. Earl was a fan of FOX News. He enjoyed polka dancing, gardening, played the button box accordion and was a dog lover. He served our country during WWII with the U.S. Marine Corps, was a Purple Heart recipient and earned a commemorate unit citation for his service. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Smith and one sister Eleanor Aker (Chuck).  He is survived by his son, Barry Farmer and his wife, Sandy; daughter, Lori Cimino; four grandchildren, Aaron and Nick Cimino, Matthew and Tyler Farmer one sister, Linda Stokes ( James) and a longtime friend Mike Matievich.  Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Friday 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Crossroads Cemetery, Monroeville.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Animal Friends in Youngwood.

 
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Robert "Bob" P. Hanicak

June 28, 2021 |

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

Robert "Bob" P. Hanicak, 67, of White Oak, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville.  He was born March 14, 1954 in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late John and Rose Marie Kaftanich Hanicak.  Prior to his retirement, Robert was a maintenance worker for Boyce College.  He was a volunteer fireman for Rainbow VFD with 25 years of service and belonged to many social clubs.  He is survived by his brothers, Donald (Nancy), Ken (Robin), Jay (Julie); sister, Karen (William) Foster; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, July 5th at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 6th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbow Fire Department in Bobby’s name.  Private interment in Visitation Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.