April 01, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Peggy L. Petrosko, 82, of North Huntingdon, passed away March 31, 2020. She was born March 14, 1938 in Elizabeth, a daughter of the late Victor and Pauline (Bildhauser) Dodds. Peggy was a member of the Norwin Art League for decades. She was a truly amazing and talented artist, creating wonderful pieces of art with both oil and acrylic paints. Many homes of family, friends, and even strangers are blessed to have walls adorned with one or more of Peggy’s paintings. Peggy brought beautiful color into all the lives she touched, with both her art and her heart. Peggy loved to be surrounded by those she loved. Every Christmas, Russian Christmas and even birthdays, she was so happy to fill her home with the joy and laughter from all those she held dear.
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March 30, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dr. Thomas E. Vrabec DDS, 89, passed peacefully from this life to the next on March 30, 2020. He was a longtime resident of Oakland (Pittsburgh) and practiced dentistry there for many years before retiring to Redstone Highlands in N. Huntingdon, PA.
Tom was born in Smock, PA on March 18, 1931 to Thomas and Anna (Turosak) Vrabec. He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1949 and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dentistry in 1955. He served in the US Army for three years, then returned to Pittsburgh to open his dental practice. He loved his work and being with people every day.
Tom was an avid sports fan especially of Pittsburgh teams, the Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, and Panthers. He spent many hours watching in the stadiums and on TV. He participated in the sports of golf and bowling. Also he collected sports memorabilia, Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and decorative elephant figures.
He was an active member, officer and President of the Oakland Lions Club. He was a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral Parish.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and by a special person, Ann Harper.
He is survived by a brother, Dr. Donald P. Vrabec (Eleanor) of Danville, PA, and two sisters, (Anna) Eleanor Vrabec of Uniontown, and Judith Radic (George) of Huber Heights, OH, a very special lady, Rose Lee Martin, an aunt Elaine Babbony (Paul) and an uncle Frederick Crall. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Dr. Tamara Vrabec (Dr. Vincent Baldassano), Dr. Jeffrey Vrabec (Kathy), Dr. Keith Vrabec, Kevin Radic (Katherine), April DeLorenzo (Mark), and Justin Radic (Angela). He will be missed by these, several cousins and many friends.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, funeral services will be private. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 24, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Ronald Joseph Pastor, 84, of Penn Township, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 23, 2020 after a long illness. He was born January 1, 1936 in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Anna (Dzama) Pastor. Prior to his retirement, Ronald was a quality control inspector for the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory for 42 years where he worked on the reactor for the first nuclear submarine, the USS NAUTILUS. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish, loved spending time with his family and was an avid Steelers fan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at his hunting camp in Tionesta, woodworking, golfing, and bowling. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mildred J. Potoma Pastor; sons, Robert (Kathy) Pastor, Daniel (Lisa) Pastor; daughters, Rhonda Sonson, Marianne (Tom) Simko, Sherry (Kevin) Kozlowski; brother, John "Jack" (Evelyn) Pastor; grandchildren, Emily, Josh, Joseph, Anthony, Christine, Jennifer, Tommy, Drake, Grant, Michael, Steven; and nine great-grandchildren. Service and interment are private for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Foundation. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 23, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Ruth Ann Seech, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2020. She was born February 5, 1948 in Munhall, a daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Kracunovsky)
Durica. Prior to her retirement, Ruth was an elementary school teacher for Norwin School District for 35 years. She was a graduate of Clarion University and was a member of St. Stephen’s Byzantine Catholic Church, PSEA and Moose Lodge #236 Irwin. Ruth enjoyed going to lunch with her fellow retirees, making Pierogis with the women of St. Stephen’s Church Group, attending sports events for the grandkids, and playing Bingo and slot machines. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alex and Helen (Timko) Seech and son-in-law Keith Choby. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 50 years, Raymond Seech Sr.; children, Michele Choby and her fiancé, Brian Bassegio, Raymond Seech Jr. and his wife, Jamie and Pamela Dawson and her husband, Jeremiah; brothers, Albert (Debbie) Durica, James (Judy)
Durica, David (Monica)Durica; sister, Janice (Dave) Matthews, sister in law, Sandie Seech; grandchildren, Karac and fiancé Kali Halterman, Kody, Dane, Alek, Nathan, SPC Colin, Samuel, Derek and Mycah; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins; and her fur baby, Sassy. Services are private for family members only. Private interment in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Society or St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church. The family would like to thank UPMC East Monroeville for their compassion and care. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 17, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joseph J. Zatorsky, 92 of North Huntingdon died March 16, 2020 at his home. He was born February 2, 1928 in Monessen, Pa., a son of the late Andrew and Mary Miso Zatorsky. Joseph was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Irwin. Prior to his retirement he was employed by Bethlehem Steel as a project manager and a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Military Police. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Lenhart Zatorsky, son-in-law Henry T. Cocain, brother, Andrew Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Cocain, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild. Visitation and services will be private. Interment Brush Creek Cemetery. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
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March 15, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Bernice S. Ryan, age 91 of North Huntingdon died March 14, 2020 at Elizabeth Seton Memory Care. She was born June 23, 1928 in Chalfant Boro, a daughter of the late Andrew and Katherine Delle Karth. Bernice was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Hunitingdon. She enjoyed baking, needlework, ceramics and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, daughter, Elaine Lane, two brothers William and Edward Soltis, two sisters, Florence Wilson and Mildred Speer. She is survived by her son, William (Tracie), her daughter, Pat Lutz (Frank), 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren. Visitation will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
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March 12, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Henry P. Feola, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020. He was born April 18, 1936 in Jeannette, Pa., a son of the late Augustine and Christine (Pandolph) Feola. Prior to his retirement, Henry was a truck driver for Matlack, Joy Best Feeds and Farm. He was a veteran of the US Army having served during the Korean War Era. Henry is finally at peace and reunited with his wife of over 50 years, Helen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Marie Feola; brothers, Michael, Phillip, Joseph and Charles Feola; and sister, Rose Grosley. He is survived by his sons, Robert, Henry Jr. (Lisa), Michael (Gail); daughter, Jennifer Walak (Terry), brothers, Pasquale Feola (Barbara); sister, Cecila Austin (David); brother-in-law, Martin Grosley; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
March 09, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
George W. Paliscak, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020, He was born August 29, 1931 in East Pittsburgh, a son of the late George W. and Anna Polesnak Paliscak. Prior to his retirement, George was employed as a union carpenter and was a veteran of the US Army having served during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Agnes Church, enjoyed woodworking, making rosary's and donating them to the church and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Kapisak Paliscak; son, Christopher; brother, William Paliscak; and sisters, Theresa Churik and Mary Paliscak. He is survived by his sons, David Paliscak (Sally), Daniel Paliscak; daughter, Julie Puhl (Michael); daughter-in-law, Jennifer Paliscak; nine grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. Visitation 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Emma's Monastery, Greensburg. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 09, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donald Lee Campbell, age 86 of North Huntingdon died March 7, 2020 in Transitions Health Center. He was born August 11, 1933 in Butler, Pa., a son of the late Edmund C. and Myrtle Bowers Campbell. Prior to his retirement Don was employed by the Port Authority as a city bus driver. He was a U.S. Army Corporal having served during the Korean War as a Paratrooper and a former boy scout leader. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Campbell, two sons, Edward (Darlene) and Michael (Sharon), one daughter Kimberly Novak (John), one sister, Nancy Deal, 3 grandchildren Shelby and Dalton Novak, and Juliana Rossi. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A blessing service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in Braddock Catholic Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
March 06, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Betty D. Kramer, 92, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020. She was born November 12, 1927 in Mars, Pa., a daughter of the late James and Mildred (Croft) Lyon. Prior to her retirement, Betty worked as a cafeteria worker for the Norwin School District. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph, Kenneth and Walter Lyon. She is survived by her husband, Earl Kramer; sons, Earl Kramer and his wife, Cheri, James Kramer and his wife, Laurene; grandchildren, Melissa, Chris, Jamie, Brandan, Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Trent, Chase, Kolten, Nico, Damion, Jaylynd, Landyn and Blaise. Services are private. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 06, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John G. Burk, Sr., formerly of Herminie, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 100 years of age. John was born August 19, 1919 on a farm now known as Kerber’s Dairy. He spent his youth living and working on tenant farms rented by his grandfather during the Great Depression and graduated from Norwin High School in 1938. He married Betty Mae Stough on August 11, 1943. John was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941 and served at Fort Slocum in New Rochelle, New York during World War II, until his discharge in 1945, having attained the rank of sergeant. John and Betty settled in North Huntingdon to raise their family. John was a rural carrier for the United States Post Office, sold insurance and worked as an investigator for Meyer, Darragh, Buckler, Bebeneck & Eck until his retirement.
While he may have left the farm, the farm never left John. He was a lifelong lover of horses, dogs, hunting, the outdoors, cowboy songs and bluegrass music. John was a gifted fiddle player, dabbled with the guitar and dulcimer, and recorded a few albums that are treasured by his family. He enjoyed woodworking, making small crafts as well as building and refinishing furniture. John’s family will particularly miss his wit, charm and quirky sayings, aphorisms and songs.
John was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 68 years, his brothers Joseph and William Burk, sister Mary Gess and daughter-in-law Judy Burk. He is survived by his son, John G. Burk Jr. and daughters Roxy Palmer (Alan), Betty Harris (Jay) and Donna Kenney (Lawrence); grandchildren John Garret Burk, Nicholas Brannick (Erin), John (J.J.) Jankowski (Kelli), Ashley Riestra (Fernando) and Logan Jankowski; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Kaelin and Nathaniel Brannick, Conor Jankowski and Emma Riestra.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11 in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will be in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont with military honors. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Stephen Filler Tunnel to Towers.
www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 06, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joan D. Petrocsko, age 89, of North Huntingdon died March 5, 2020 at her home. She was born May 26, 1930 in Manhattan, NYC, a daughter of the late Robert and Molly Manning Scholz. Joan was a member of the former St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. She enjoyed reading, canning, gardening and was known by her friends and family to make the best homemade pickles, and Haluski. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother along with being a lifelong collector of knickknacks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Paul and her brother Robert Scholz . She is survived by her beloved husband, Peter, three sons, David P., William P. (wife Cheryl), Edward W. Petrocsko and one daughter Pamela Jayne Craven, 3 grandchildren, Amy L. Petrocsko, Robert E. and Kenneth P. Craven, step granddaughter, Amanda Painter and her fiance, Tom Benevento, one great-grandchild, Aiden Caldarelli and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Sunday 2-4, 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Long Run Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
March 04, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia C. Kovac, 79 of North Huntingdon died March 4, 2020 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was born March 24, 1940 in McKeesport, Pa., a daughter of the late Albert and Anne Miller Grant Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence in 2008, her daughter KellyAnn Kovac. She is survived by her daughter Kristin Dressler and her husband Donald, one son Keith and his wife Roxanne, one sister JoAnn Grant, 3 grandchildren. There will be no visitation. Services will be private.
March 02, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Judith (Judy) H. Burk, an award-winning University of Pittsburgh graphic designer, successful sports memorabilia entrepreneur and dedicated church leader, died Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The Sewickley Twp. resident was 75.
Judy’s passing ended a four-year courageous, dignified quest to overcome the effects of a medical procedure that left her almost completely paralyzed. She died in the arms of John Burk, her husband of 45 years, in the presence of Bob Green, her pastor.
Although Judy always considered herself a native Pittsburgher, she was born on Aug. 10, 1944, in Long Beach, CA. Her father, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, was a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot stationed there. Her mother was a homemaker. In 1962, Judy graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School near Pittsburgh, then attended Carnegie Tech for one year, and earned a degree at Pittsburgh’s Ivy School of Professional Art.
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March 02, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John "Jack" Druga Jr., 94, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2020. He was born January 11, 1926 in Duquesne, a son of the late John and Susan (Homol) Druga. Prior to his retirement, Jack was a production coordinator for Westinghouse and a veteran of the US Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish, Emerald Club, a lifetime member of the VFW Post 781 and belonged to two bowling leagues. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Mary Druga; brother, Edward Druga; and sister, Agnes Druga. He is survived by his son, Larry Druga and his wife, Cindy; daughters, Christine Garlow and her husband, Richard, Barbara Eager and her husband, Jack; grandchildren, Michael Garlow, Lynn Eager, Aaron Eager, Miranda Druga, Camden Druga; and great-grandchild, Mackenzie Garlow. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday in St. Agnes Church with Msgr. Paul Fitzmaurice officiating. Interment to follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
