June 02, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Frank E. Johnson IV, 50 of Adamsburg, died June 1, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born December 11, 1973 in Jeannette, a son of the late Frank E. Johnson III and Carolyn “Nazz” Wertz Johnson. He was a Norwin High School graduate Class of 1992, and worked as the manager of shipping and receiving for Extrude Hone. He loved all levels of football, especially the University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions, and was a member of a Southwest Bowling League of Main Bowling Center Greensburg. He is survived by his wife Maria Byzon Johnson; daughter Natalie (Alex) Impink; son Aaron; grandchildren, Karsyn, Ayla, and Nolan; and sister Pam (Kary) Yurcisin. Visitation will be Wednesday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will be held Thursday 11 AM at the funeral home chapel. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 28, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Linda Anne Watkoski, 78, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully at Newhaven Court at Linwood on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Linda is now at a place where she can once again remember the amazing, loving, and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that she was to all of us.
Linda was born on July 2, 1945 in Reno, Pennsylvania. Linda is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Joseph Watkoski; daughters Ann (Wes) Mayles and Kate (Dan Driggers) Watkoski; grandson Alex Mayles; and numerous brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Francis “Hike” McGarry and Evelyn McGarry, and her brother Daniel McGarry.
Linda was a 1967 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and later received her Master of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She was a passionate and dedicated teacher at Norwin School District for over 30 years and served many roles including high school business teacher, FBLA advisor, and third grade teacher. She had a great love for nature and animals. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be forever remembered for her loving, patient, and selfless nature toward everyone.
At Linda’s request, there will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Bridges Hospice (bridgeshospice.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc., 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon is assisting with arrangements. shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 27, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Arnold S. Kastronis, 92 of North Huntingdon died May 26, 2024 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh. He was born June 5, 1931 in McKeesport a son of the late Steven and Johanna Mazor Kastronis. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a steelworker for US Steel and Camp Hill. He was an avid deer hunter and hard working man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Loretta, brother John, and sister Josephine Prest. He is survived by son Arnold (Martha); daughter JoAnn (Mark) Timm; grandchildren Alicia (Brian) Rinkes, Ian Kastronis, Rene Wenner (Don Lee), and Brian Timm (Erin); great grandchildren Aubrey, Emilia, Jaelyn, Donovan, Bailey, Jacob, and Stella; and brothers Vince, Steve, and Chris Kastronis. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make A Wish Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 26, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joseph Rusinko, age 78 of North Huntingdon passed away May 25, 2024 at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon with his family by his side. He was born November 7, 1945 in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Anna (Bohanic) Rusinko. Joe was a member of St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church. He was very proud of his Slovak heritage. He was an avid reader as evident by the library of books he amassed. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a teacher for McKeesport Area High School for 30 years where he started computer science classes and distance learning through Pitt. Joseph earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Penn State and a Master's Degree from Pitt. He was also the past owner and founder of WESTPA Tax Preparation and Accounting Service. He was a past member of the Greater Pittsburgh and Central Pittsburgh duckpin bowling leagues. He was known for the countless afghans and blankets he crocheted as gifts. He was preceded in death by his wife Maria (Bajcura) Rusinko in 2017 and brother John Rusinko. He is survived by his two children in which he took great pride; a son, Joseph V. Rusinko and his wife Lauren, and daughter, Jennifer M. Garvin and her husband Robert. He was the proud Dzedo of his 3 grandchildren Hannah Rusinko and Katarina and Samantha Garvin. He was their number one fan and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. In addition, he is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and family in Slovakia. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Parastas service will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 24, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father Philip Cristina who left us on May 24, 2024 at the age of 98. His absence leaves a void in our hearts. He proudly served his country in the US Army during World War II. After the war he married the love of his life Rose. They were married for 63 years before her death 15 years ago. He visited her 5 days a week at the cemetery always making sure she had a beautiful vase of flowers. Philip was a member of Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, a trustee with the Teamsters Local 30, AARP and American Legion. He began his career as a truck driver working for Helm’s Motor Freight and Rider Trucking Company. Preceded in death by his wife Rose, daughter Pauline Phillips and infant granddaughter Elizabeth Reynolds. Survived by his three daughters Marie (William) Breeger Sr., Elvira Reynolds and Roseann (Marco) Faulisi Jr., 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. In accordance with our father’s wishes there will be no public visitation. Private interment will be at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Funeral arrangements will be handled by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Our family would like to express appreciation to all the staff at Transitions Healthcare North Huntingdon. The comfort and personal care provided was exceptional. To all his dear friends and the entire staff at Bob Evans restaurant in North Huntingdon, he loved you all like family. Heartland Hospice, you were right by his side until the end. Dad, we will always carry your memory deep in our hearts knowing you’re now in heaven with our dear mother. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 23, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Shaun David Kelly, age 46, of Greensburg, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at his home. He was born in Jeannette on November 23, 1977, a son of the late David W. and Sharon L. Brown Kelly. He was a graduate of Hempfield high school, and was employed as a carpenter for Local 432 Pittsburgh. Shaun enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, fishing, hunting, lifting weights, and practicing jiu jitsu. He is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his Doberman Harley. A memorial service will be held at a later date at a time to be announced. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 22, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Harry J. Colbert, age 76 of Irwin, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born on February 5, 1948 in Braddock, a son of the late Earl and Anna Mary Colbert. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his brother, Nicky Colbert. He is survived by his twin brother, Earl Colbert, sister, Linda Novak (Ed), and numerous neices and nephews. Harry always brought a smile to the faces of those around him. He loved to work on arts and crafts, and was very proud of the items that he created. After finishing his daily projects, Harry looked forward to sipping a hot cup of coffee while listening to the radio. He was always excited to tell his friends and family about his favorite wrist-watch. Harry will be missed by all who knew him. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA on Friday from 9-10A.M. follwed by interment at Restland Cemetery, Monroeville. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 22, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Michael P. McGrail, 61 of North Huntingdon died May 20, 2024 at Corner view Nursing and Rehab in Pittsburgh. He was born June 25, 1962 in McKeesport, a son of the late Michael P. Sr. and Audrey Labosky McGrail. Michael was formerly employed by Stone & Company where he drove a cement truck. He graduated from Greensburg Central Catholic in 1980, was a member of Circleville Volunteer Fire Department, an avid Penguins and Steeler fan, enjoyed building, and racing RC cars. He will be reunited with his love and wife, Rosemary who died in 2014. He is survived by his daughter, Allison of North Huntingdon, two brothers, Mark McGrail and wife Jeri, Eric McGrail and wife Jackie, 2 nieces, Serena and Katherine, one nephew Devin. There will be no public visitation. A celebration of life will be held on June 23, 2024 at Oak Hollow Park Hickory Pavilion from 1-4 P.M. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 21, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Darien M. Clark, age 27, residing in Beaver Falls and formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. He was born on August 3, 1996 in Monroeville, the beloved son of Lance (Candace) Clark and Jacinta Beltz (Jay). Darien was a graduate of Norwin High School, Class of 2014. He loved motorcycles, weight lifting, sports, and spending time with his friends. He was employed by Burnham Industrial as a Journeyman Insulator for Local 2. In addition to his parents, Darien is survived by his daughter, Ryder, girlfriend Katie Sero, three sisters, Dymphena Clark, Dreena Clark, and Dacee Clark, grandparents Michalene Chara (Dave), Karen Clark, Mark Bungo (Katie), and Mary Ellen Beltz, great-grandma Jeanne Pettus, and his beloved corgi, Beenee. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. on Friday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and Saturday from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. with a service to follow in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kaitlyn Sero on behalf of Ryder. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 16, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Isabella E. Yanez, 91 of North Huntingdon, died peacefully on May 16, 2024 at her home. She was born February 15, 1933 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late John T. and Katherine Schneider. Prior to her retirement, Isabella was employed as a teacher's aide for special needs children in Mon Valley School Special Education. In her free time, she loved to knit and quilt. Isabella was great at baking, and she enjoyed her time spent babysitting at her home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers William Schneider and John Schneider, and sisters Laura Whitehead and Agnes Coberly. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ralph A. Yanez, five children, Ralph Yanez (Karen), Angelina Yanez, William Yanez (Deborah), Joseph Yanez (Karen), and Samuel Yanez (Carrie), grandchildren Danielle Kukic (Chris), Angelina Yanez (Andrew), Sean Yanez (Claire), Raymond Yanez (Casey), Katie Yanez, Andrew Yanez, Addison Yanez, and Hayden Yanez, and great-grandchildren Emma, Luke, Riley, Avery, Wyatt, and Levi. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Monday at 9:15 AM, with interment to follow in St. Mary's German Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 15, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Frances Papp, age 89 of North Huntingdon, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at her home. She was born on January 16, 1935 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Adam and Mary Fisher Spalla. Frances cherished her role as a homemaker. She was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church in McKeesport, and always looked forward to attending bingo nights with her friends. In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Papp, son Arthur Papp Jr., brothers John Spalla and Frank Spalla, and sister Faye Burgess. She is survived by her sons, David Papp and Vincent Papp (Joan), her daughter Denise (William) Prontiker, grandchildren Joseph, Molly, Daniel, Samuel, Chad (Nikki), Michael, and Billy, and great-grandchildren Lila and Luke. Visitation and services will be private, with a private interment to follow in Long Run Cemetery. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 12, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Evelyn M. Miller, age 97 of North Huntingdon, died May 12, 2024, at her granddaughter's home surrounded by her family. She was born March 24, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a daughter of the late Andrew and Florence Sylvis Graham. Evelyn was known as the candy lady at Walden's View. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and playing hymns on the organ. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the Norwin High School cafeteria and as an office manager for Dr. Churma, D.C. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Howard in 1986, one brother, Donald Graham, one sister Betty Hunter. She is survived by two sons, Robert (Melinda), Miller, Thom (Lorraine) Miller, one daughter, Ginna Kraus (George), 10 grandchildren, Jeff Miller (Kelly), Christa Ricciuti (Scott), Jacquelyn Jared (Mike), Kaley Wood (Jim), Lindsay Lewis, Amy Kemper (Barry), Jodi Sawyer Kraus, Jayme Miller (Andrea), Sarah Forkner(Dan), Erik Miller, 17 great grandchildren, Leo, Sophie, Anthony, Brody, Noah, Cole, Colin, Mason, Tiegen, Graham, Grey, Julia, Ty, Capree, Maezee, Grady and Maddy , numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held in July. The family would like to thank Redstone Hospice for their care and compassion for Evelyn the past three months. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Eileen Waskowicz Proctor, age 74 of Level Green passed away May 11, 2024, Eileen let God know that it was time to call her home to Heaven. She told God that she couldn’t make it another day with all of her health issues. He heard her prayer. Eileen told her daughters, Leslie Proctor Savage (Michael) of Irwin, PA and Kellee Birnstiel of Birmingham, England that she was going home. She said that she missed her husband C. Ray Proctor who beat her to the gate on January 19, 2024. She hadn’t seen her father, Frank Waskowicz in 66 years nor her mother, Rose Bielic Waskowicz in almost 9 years. Oh, and her beloved first grandchild Nathan Christian Thorne who left this Earth in December 2021. Most of all, Eileen finally got to see her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Eileen had continued her father’s mission to tell everyone, even total strangers that “JESUS LOVES YOU and He Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life.” She gave out Bibles every chance she was given. Her greatest joy was to pray with people and share the good news of Jesus Christ. She would say, “It is not about what you have done in your life, good or bad; it is all about what Jesus did for you.” Eileen loved all of her surviving grandchildren; they called her “Doll.” Mikayla Birnstiel of Gainesville FL, Tristan Birnstiel of Edgewood MD, Trevor Birnstiel (Meagan) of Brockton MA, Dane Birnstiel of San Diego CA, Saxon Birnstiel of Cork, Ireland and Luke Michael Proctor Savage of Irwin PA. On the 9th of April 2024, Eileen became a step great-grandma to Emma of Brockton MA. Eileen did not have any siblings, but she was blessed to have many cousins and old friends who still remain quite close. Eileen graduated from Trafford High School in 1967. She worked for various companies over the years doing office work and sales. Just 10 or so years ago, she and C. Ray worked together providing interior home remodeling for Proctor Construction. Eileen loved to garden and cook & bake for family and friends. She lived her whole life in the house that her father built in 1950 in Level Green. It was there, Eileen took her very last breath and left her body to be “present with the Lord.” Amen! Amen! Amen! Her favorite chapter, Psalms 121. In lieu of flowers, Eileen would have loved for you to support her grandson’s memorial scholarship, The Nathan Christian Thorne Scholarship Fund, 603 Beech Drive, Trafford, PA 15085 www.NathanChristian.org Funeral Arrangements have been made by the James Shirley Funeral Home Inc. All Services and Burial Are Private. Interment will be at the Penn Lincoln Memorial Park in North Huntingdon PA.
May 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Paul W. "Sparky" McGowan, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away on May 10, 2024 at his home. He was born on October 11, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late Jess Hoak and Frances Gay. Prior to his retirement, Paul was employed as a tree trimmer for both Aspen and Davey Tree Companies. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, having served in the Korean War. In his free time, Paul was a jack-of-all-trades. He enjoyed working on projects around the house, and took pride in helping his neighbors. Paul always looked forward to camping with his wife, attending car shows, and creating pieces of art. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Martha Hall McGowan, and his sons, Paul McGowan Jr. and Shawn Gregory McGowan. He is survived by his daughters, ShayLee Gonzalez, and Heather Mayer, grandchildren, Shando, Brianda, Rionno, Jessica, Joshua, Justin, Jake, Johnna, and Jordan, and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Wyatt, Aria, and Charlotte. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 10, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Carol Ann Eckenrode, age 75 of North Versailles, passed away on May 10, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. She was born on December 24, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Regis and Mary Sill Eckenrode. Carol graduated from Braddock School of Nursing, and received her Master's Degree in Education from Penn State University. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a Registered Nurse at various local hospitals and long-term care facilities. Carol was an animal lover. She cherished the time she spent with her pets, especially her cat "Dude". In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brother James Eckenrode. She is survived by her brother David Eckenrode (Jill), niece Jennifer George (Ryan), nephew Ryan Eckenrode, and sister-in-law Karen McDonald. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 11 AM., with a private interment to follow in Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven located at 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
