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Bernice S. Ryan

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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Henry P. Feola

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.

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George W. Paliscak

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

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Donald Lee Campbell

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.

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Betty D. Kramer

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

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John G. Burk Sr.

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

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Joan D. Petrocsko

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.

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Patricia C. Kovac

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.

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Judith H. Burk

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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John "Jack" Druga Jr.

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.

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James A. Dunn

February 29, 2020 |

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

James A. Dunn, 84, of North Huntingdon, died Friday, February 28, 2020 at Forbes Hospital.  He was born July 21, 1935 in Rillton, Pa., a son of the late William and Tibetha Johns Dunn. James was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. He loved telling stories about his past. He loved working outside and gardening. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the love of his life. he was retired from the trucking industry, a member of the American Legion  and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served four years. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul, Daniel, Bill, Doris, Margaret, Gladys, and John. He is survived by his beloved wife Rosemary Parry Dunn, children, Peggy Cook (Bruce), Jill Peters (Jay), Jennifer Novotny (Robert), grandchildren, Dr. Allan Brown (Ashley), Mark Brown (Katie), Nicole Conforti (Bill), Carly Bishop (Michael), Jaynee Casteel (Trevor), Emily Brown, Jackie Cook, Sarah Pullar (Edward), Anthony Novotny, great grandchildren, Adelle, Kellan, Sunnie, Jack,  Luke, Olivia, Nikayla, Jacob, Charlotte, Molly, Noah, Charlie, Oliver. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Monday from 5-8 p.m. A Blessing service will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with Monsignor Paul Fitzmaurice officiating. Memorials may be made to Rescue 8. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Christopher G. Paliscak

February 26, 2020 |

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

Christopher G. Paliscak, 48, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at home.  He was born December 27, 1971 in Pittsburgh, son of George Paliscak and the late Ruth Paliscak.  He was a 1990 graduate of Norwin High School and earned his Master's Degree from Temple University in 1995.  Chris was the quaterback at Norwin High School as well as Temple University, and he was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.  He spent most of his career in sales with industrial packaging companies in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area.  Chris is survived by his wife, Jennifer Vonderkall Paliscak; children, Juliana and Brady of Penn Township; brothers, David (Sally) Paliscak and Daniel Paliscak; sister, Julie (Michael) Puhl; In-laws, Joe and Kathy Vonderkall; brother-in-law, Chris (Kara) Vonderkall; and several nieces, nephews, and great-niece and nephews.  Friends and family will be received from 3-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA .  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sage's Army.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Joseph J. Jacobs Jr.

February 25, 2020 |

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

Joseph J. Jacobs Jr., 97, of Turtle Creek, passed away Monday, February 24, 2020.  He was born November 1, 1922 in Braddock, a son of the late Joseph J. Jacobs Sr. and Agnes (Scott) Jacobs.  Joseph retired from  the former Leech Farm Veterans Hospital and was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps having served during WWII.  He was a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church for 65 years and enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Sumner Jacobs; and brothers, Robert, William and Donald.  He is survived by his son, Lawrence Jacobs and his wife, Jerri; daughter, Gail Russell and her husband, Lewis; grandchildren, Isaac Russell, Christine and Ricky Mosley, Donna and Jason Peak; and great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Milanj.  There will be no public visitation.  A memorial service will be held at a later date at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Road, Pittsburgh, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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George William Matthias Jr.

February 21, 2020 |

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

George "Bunny" William Matthias Jr., 82, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020.  He was born May 13, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late George William and Mary (Uhrin) Matthias.  Prior to his retirement, George was a pipe fitter for Equitable Gas and a veteran of the US Army.  He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 11 Ward Club, Equitable Pensioners Club, North Huntingdon AARP 3221 and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed visiting casino's and was an avid Pittsburgh sports teams fan.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William and James Matthias.  He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Vennebush; and numerous nieces, nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.  Family and 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 funeral service will take place at 4 p.m. with Fr. John Moineau officiating.  Interment will be private.  shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Raymond G. Kocak

February 19, 2020 |

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

Raymond G. Kocak,82, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  He was born May 26, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Mary (Sima) Kocak.  Prior to his retirement, Ray was a state bank examiner for the Commonwealth of PA, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and a veteran of the US Army.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth A. (Vargecko) Kocak; granddaughter, Jessica Kocak; and brother, John Kocak Jr.  He is survived by his son, Raymond Kocak (Jana); daughter, Christine L. Trone and her husband, Timothy; sister-in-law, Anna Marie Kocak; grandchildren, Amber, Devon, Zack, Sammie, Marley, Tyler; and great-grandchild, Rowen.  A memorial mass will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, North Huntingdon.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster's Gift, 14459 Otis Drive, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com