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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Ruth E. Hershey

June 27, 2021 |

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

Ruth E. Hershey, 96, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born April 27, 1925 in Clairton, a daughter of the late Richard and Bertha (Stevens) Stokes.  Before Ruth was married she was a secretary for Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh and a member of the Westinghouse Chorus.  After she was married she became an Avon consultant for many years.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Hershey, infant sister, Jean Doris Stokes, and brother, Richard Stokes.  She is survived by her son, Thomas Hershey and his wife, Joanne; daughter, Virginia Toretti and her husband, Richard; sister, Janet Dvorznak; grandchildren, Shelley (Phillip) Surgent, Scott Toretti, Sara (James) Wadsworth, Tara (Steven) Saunders, Ryan Hershey; great-grandchildren, Charles and Elizabeth Saunders and Abby and Emma Wadsworth.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Patricia A. Wheaton

June 26, 2021 |

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

Patricia A. Wheaton, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born September 30, 1947 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late John and Olga (Petrosko) Lazar.  Prior to her retirement, Patricia was a welfare caseworker for the state of Pennsylvania.  She enjoyed golfing, gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and always giving of herself to others especially family and friends.  She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Claude Wheaton; daughter, Jennifer James and her husband, Richard; son, Tom Wheaton and his wife, Kara;  identical twin sister, Pauline (Jim) Saxman, sister, Mary Ann (Joe) Hart; brother, John (Cindy) Lazar; grandchildren, Gage, Gunner and Grady; and her beloved Yorkie, Maggie.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pet Adoption League / Adopt A Pet - Yukon, PA,  www.petadoptionleague.org.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Louise E. Kemble

June 25, 2021 |

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

Louise E. Kemble, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born September 21, 1930 in Wilmerding, daughter of the late Louis E. and Grace (Boyd) Brown.  Louise was a member of First United Methodist Church of Irwin.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Kemble, granddaughter, Amanda Yourick, and brothers, John and Edward Brown.  She is survived by her son, Louis R. Kemble and his wife, Patricia; daughter, Debra K. Marino and her husband, David; grandchildren, Lori Kemble, Lindsay (Daniel) Easly, Andrew Yourick and Josh (Rebecca) Marino; great-grandchildren, Avery Easly and Penny Marino.  Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Irwin.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Richard Michael Martchek

June 23, 2021 |

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

Richard Michael Martchek, 84, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Vista Springs Quail Highlands Assisted Living in Concord, OH.  He was born August 3, 1936 in Braddock, the son of the late Michael and Anna (Fialkovich) Martchek.  Prior to his retirement, Richard was a slab mill maintenance worker for US Steel Edgar Thompson Works and an electrician.  He was a veteran of the US Army having served in Germany from 1959-1962 and a member of Saints Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.  Richard loved to tinker around his home, working on his cars, feeding the birds and animals and enjoyed being around people.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Morgart) Martchek.  He is survived by his daughter, Louise Sullivan and her husband, Ken; and 2 grandchildren, Kathleen Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and his fiancee Kristen.  Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH  44192 or on-line www.hospicewr.org., or an animal shelter of your choice.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.  The family would like to thank Vista Springs and Hospice for their unspeakable kindness and care.   

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Rose Mary Surgent

June 22, 2021 |

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

Rose Mary Surgent, 85, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born October 1, 1935 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Duffek) Chvasta.  Prior to her retirement, Rose Mary was an event planner.  She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, volunteer for Norwin Area Meals On Wheels and an election poll worker.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Chvasta, Dr. Thomas Chvasta and sisters, Helen Digby and Marjorie Kish.  She is survived by her sons, James and his wife, Pam, Jeff and his wife, Lorie Lee, John and his wife, Angelina; grandchildren, Lea, Daniel, Shelbey, Hannah, Ava, and Joseph.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Theresa N. Pascal

June 21, 2021 |

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

Theresa N. Pascal, 48, of North Versailles formerly of Warren, OH, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021. She was born August 7, 1972 in Warren, OH, a daughter of Georgene King and the late Austin King. Theresa was a 1990 graduate of Warren Christian Academy and enjoyed swimming, playing basketball and going to the movies. She is survived by her son, Austin M. Pascal; daughter, Carly Ann Pascal.  Sisters, Denise (Thomas) Mackall, Marlene (James) Orr, Darla (Cary) Erickson, Michelle (Jeff) Davis, Erin King, Cindy (John) Richer, Peggy (Dave) Merchandino;  companion, Daniel “Dino” Reedy and his children, Lisa (Jim) Shade, LeAnne (Gordon) Damasky and their children. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. 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. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

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Paul E. Schultz

June 18, 2021 |

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

Paul E. Schultz, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021 and went to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul was born on December 28, 1932 in Glassport and was the son of the late Edward and Sophia (Petrosky) Schultz.  In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his son, Paul Jr., and sister, Irene Silich.  Paul was employed as a machinist by Westinghouse Astronuclear Lab for 30 years until his retirement.  He truly enjoyed his work and found it to be both challenging and rewarding.  Paul was always a loyal fan of the Pirates and Steelers teams, winning or losing!  Paul is survived by his wife of 63 years, Vivian Painter Schultz; daughter, Karen Schultz; two granddaughters, Hannah (Brian) Ross and Gabrielle Walker; one great-grandson, Arlo Paul Ross; sister, Freda Schultz; and nephew, Michael (Kathy) Silich.  Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Long Run Cemetery.  The family has requested that masks be worn.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Wendy J. Slafka

June 17, 2021 |

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

Wendy J. Slafka 68, of North Huntingdon, went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2021. She was born April 21, 1953 in McKeesport, daughter of the late George and Margaret Jane Alund.
Loving wife of Mark J. Slafka, devoted mother to Nathan (Ashley) and Christian Slafka. Sister of Edith (Mark) Harvey, and brother David (Pamela) Alund. Adoring grandmother to Rylen, her “princess” and Luca, her “little buddy”, the lights of her life.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Natalie, Courtney (Luis), Justin , Ryan (Becky);  Adam (Amy) and Michael (Rebekah).
A 1971 McKeesport High School graduate, she studied music at Duquesne University, taught piano and directed choirs at Christian Life Church and McKeesport Christian Alliance.
A God-fearing woman with a heart of gold, she had a passion for music and loved to sing.
She was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan, loved to cook and co-founded a non-profit horse rescue. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday 2-4,6-8 P.M. . A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 A.M. at the Norwin Alliance Christian Church. Please go directly to the church. Memorials may be made to Samaritan Purse. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Dorothy J. Terranella

June 15, 2021 |

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

Dorothy J. Terranella, 77, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born October 13, 1943 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Andrew and Dorothy (McDonald) Hudak.  Dorothy was a school teacher for Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill and later retired to start her life as a wife and mother.  She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved writing poetry and letters to loved ones.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting and doll making.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Crawford, and brother-in-law, Daniel Brennan.  She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Angelo "Terry" Terranella; son, Angelo "Terry" Terranella and his wife, Rachel and Dominic Terranella; brother, Kenny (Terri) Hudak; sisters, Karen (Jerry) Kronk, Cindy Brennan; grandchildren, Dominic (Kathryn), Joseph (Sydney), Angelina, Daniel, Angelo III, Job, Nehemiah, Titus and Caleb.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Long Run Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Janet A. Blend

June 10, 2021 |

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

Janet A. Blend, 86  of North Versailles died Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at her home.  She was born December 1, 1934 in Turtle Creek, a daughter of the late Albert and Millie Merlin. Janet enjoyed gardening, bowling and roller skating. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Marlyn Marosko. She is survived by her husband Richard Blend, two sons, William Gardner (Jan), Joseph Gardner, one granddaughter Melissa, three great grandchildren, Alexa, Tiera and Amaya. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon  Sunday 3-7 p.m. A  funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.