April 16, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Virginia Mae Dubosky, age 75 of North Huntingdon, passed away on April 15, 2025. She was born on November 12, 1949, in Braddock, a daughter of the late George Galbraith and Virginia Murray Galbraith. Virginia was employed as a cashier at the Davis Super Market in Greensburg. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by one brother, Glenn Galbraith. She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Dubosky, one daughter Danean Dubosky (and husband Nathan James), one granddaughter Kiara James, and her pet schnoodle, Tigger. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 13, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert James Marefka, 82, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed peacefully on April 10, 2025. Born July 5, 1942, to the late John and Cecelia Kusimkowski Marefka in Claridge, PA. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, John and Theodore Marefka. Bob enjoyed gardening, painting, antiquing, and was an avid Pittsburgh sports’ team fan. He worked as a draftsman and later a computer draftsman at Westinghouse Electric/Bettis/Bechtel, Daimler-Benz, and Bombardier on defense and commercial projects. Bob was a graduate of Triangle Technical Institute. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Roberta Gallick. Bob shared three children with his former wife, Betty Lou Marefka: Robert “Bobby” Marefka (Jill), Roxane Marefka (Tom Murphy), Tedd Marefka Trabert (Justin Trabert). Grandchildren Saray Marefka, Lorenzo Marefka (Lindsey) as well as many nieces and nephews of whom he was especially close to Emily and Hannah Dimmock. A private visitation was held at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. A memorial will follow at a later date. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, North Versailles, PA. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, https://my.conservatory.org/donate/i/tributes.
April 10, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
April 10, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Stanley G. Flinner, 68, of North Huntingdon, had a date with his Maker and his wife on April 10, 2025. Born October 25, 1956, Stan served as an electronic technician for the United States Postal Service for over forty years. He enjoyed caving, rock climbing, and attending Word of Life Church. In addition to wife, Debbie (Pennington) Flinner, Stan is predeceased by his father, Ernest E. Flinner; brother, Bradley Flinner; and son, D. “Bud” Flinner; as well as several aunts and an uncle. He leaves behind his loving daughter, Nikki Flinner; and dog, Aubi. Also surviving Stan are his mother, Helen Marie Flinner; niece, Julie (Drew) Paluch; and sister-in-law, Darlene Pennington - all of whom would like to offer a special thanks to the caretakers who served him the last few months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the “Children’s Area of the Sewickley Twp Public Library (STPL) Building Fund” (in Herminie, PA). At his request, there will be no public viewing and a private interment will be held at Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Irwin, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
April 09, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Margaret "Margee" Busch-Hause, age 63 of West Newton, formerly of Michigan, passed away on April 8, 2025. She was born on September 5, 1961, in McKeesport, a daughter of David Busch and the late Margaret E. Busch. Margee was a graduate of Gull Lake High School in Michigan in the class of 1979, and she was employed as an aid on a special-needs school bus. Margee loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and cats. In her free time, she always looked forward to traveling. In addition to her father, Margee is survived by one brother David Busch, one sister Carole Busch-Cappetta (and Husband Frank), one niece Danielle Busch, and one nephew Dakota Busch. A celebration of life service will be held at Living Evidence Church, 6125 Center Avenue, New Stanton, PA, 15672 on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Margee's name to Living Evidence Church in New Stanton, or an animal charity of your choice. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 09, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Helen M. Matava, 92, of North Huntingdon now residing at Redstone, North Huntingdon passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. She was born on July 30, 1932 in Braddock, PA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Hreha Gelumbus. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Edward "Bub" Matava, a sister, Mary Elizabeth Regan and a son-in-law Christopher McHugh. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church of North Huntingdon. Helen enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and reading. She was a member of the Markvue Manor Women's Club and a graduate of Scott High School. She is survived by 3 daughters, Linda McCandless (Gary), of North Huntingdon, Kathy McHugh, of North Huntingdon and Lori Hood (Tom), of North Huntingdon; a sister Elaine Conroy, seven grandchildren, Gary (Candace) , Jeffrey (Jamie), and Ryan McCandless (Meghan), Erin McHugh, Andrew McHugh, Kayla Herring (Rob) and Elizabeth Leber, (Brandon), 11 great-grandchildren;, Tyler, Dylan, Kyra, Lyla, Matava, Michael, Aubrey, Maxton, Vivian, Hadley and Allie, and several nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. A funeral Mass will be held Friday at 10 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Leger Road, North Huntingdon. Please go directly to the church. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, North Huntingdon. For online condolences, please visit www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the Redstone Benevolent Fund, North Huntingdon, or St. Jude Children's Hospital.
April 09, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
“In each of our lives, there comes a time when the earthly body can no longer hold the spirit within.”
Ralph Vincent Scaramuzzi, 79, of Irwin, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Debora (Nash) Scaramuzzi, his son, Mark Scaramuzzi and daughter-in-law, Kate Malongowski, of Shaler Township, and his soon-to-be-born grandson. He is also survived by his brother, Carmen “Nucci” Scaramuzzo and sister-in-law, Diane, of North Huntingdon; his sister-in-law, Marcia (Sauers) Scaramuzzi, of Murrysville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Scaramuzzi. Ralph was born on July 10, 1945, in Braddock, to the late Alex Scaramuzzi and Anna (Margiotti) Scaramuzzi. He graduated from Rankin High School and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and worked in advertising sales at the Pennysaver, the Tribune-Review and the Pittsburgh Press over the years. His long career in newspapers began as a delivery boy for the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. After retirement, he enjoyed working as a part-time host at Applebee's. His work reflected a combination of things he loved in life: his passion for drawing and his love of people, including the gift of gab. Ralph always a story and a joke ready, and he loved calling family and friends to check on them. Ralph also had a passion for history, art, music, food and his faith. In his later years, he enjoyed going to lunch and museums with his close friend, Jim Busch. Ralph was also a U.S. Navy veteran who served on the USS Essex during the Vietnam War. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ralph’s name to the Hillman Cancer Center or cancer research. The family would also like to thank Dr. Robert Gerger for his years of care, and to UPMC Family Hospice, for all of their care and kindness. At his request, there will be no viewing. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. Reach out to Mark for further details. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
April 07, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patty Lynn Stuchel, age 74 of Irwin died April 6, 2025, at Canterbury Place. She was born July 28, 1950, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Carl and Julia Marie McCoy Stuchel. Patty was a member of the Calvin Presbyterian Church. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a physical therapist by Excela Home Health Care. She was a graduate of Norwin, class of 1968, she later graduated from Penn State in 1972 with a B.S. degree in Parks and Recreation then continued on to receive her Master's Degree from Arcadia University in physical therapy. Patty's first job was working with her dad and family on their Christmas tree farm near Shawnee State Park, she later worked for Wilkes-Barre Recreation Dept, Penns Woods Girl Scout Council, Wilkes-Barre, Mercy Hospital, Wilkes Barre, Cincinnati VA Medical Center and Excela Home Health Care. She was active in her church, loved backpacking, canoeing, cross country-skiing. She enjoyed going with friends to high school and CLO musicals, concerts, especially summer outdoor ones. She is survived by two sisters, Peggy (Don) Cunningham, Connie (Michael) Noel, nephews and nieces, Jonathan (Tarah) Noel, Matthew (Kristin)Noel, Jennifer (William) Henderson, Daniel (Hannah) Noel, 20 great nephews and nieces 3 great great nephews and nieces and numerous cousins. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
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April 01, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Bessie Dalessandro, age 89 of North Huntingdon died March 31, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born February 27, 1936 in Shafton, a daughter of the late John and Cora Proudfit Rain. Bessie modeled giving, patience and love. She took care of her siblings, her husband and her mother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis P. in 2008, two brothers, Alex and John Rain, and her sister, Ruth Ann Panaia. She is survived by two sons, Louis and Vincent, her daughter Denise Gunnell, two brothers, Joseph and Donald Rain, two sisters, Cora Naugle and Kathy Sartori, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to the Altheimer's Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
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March 28, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Grace Lea Mastro, 89, of North Huntingdon, died March 28, 2025, at her home. Born December 13, 1935, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late E. Lester and Mary Frances (Moritz) Dawson. It is said that, "What we are speaks louder than what we say." Grace gave meaning to this by her leadership through example. Grace was a nurse for the Air Force Reserves on active duty from 1960-66 and then resigned her commission in 1972. She was a retired registered nurse, spending 30 years with the Visiting Nurse Association of Irwin and Jeannette. As a member of the Norwin Lioness and the Lion Club since 1985, she served as president, treasurer and in many other capacities. Her nursing experience carried over into her Lion Club activities doing blood work and drives for Lions Care-Van from 1979-88 and then as coordinator for St Agnes blood drives. She served as parish nurse for the Ministry of Care from 1982-21. Grace was a volunteer with the food bank program since 1982, Meals on Wheels since 1996. She also volunteered with Radio Information Service (RIS), since 1996, this station broadcasts to the blind. Grace was also active in Markvue Manor Women's Club for 30 years and assisted in Habitat for Humanity fundraising projects. She was a beacon for dedicated humanitarian service. Grace is survived by her husband of 56 years, Anthony Mastro and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her sister, Carolyn Dawson Fuller (2005) and brother David Dawson (2023). Thank you to UPMC Hospice program especially, nurses Jen, Sonja, and Kelly. They provided the best of services. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 4-6 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Church on Friday, April 4, at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Church or the Norwin Area Meals on Wheels. www.shirleyfuneralhom.com
March 27, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Leo Edward Kwiecinski, 73, of North Huntingdon, PA passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Forbes Hospital having fought a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born September 13, 1951 in McKeesport, PA, son of the late Sylvester Paul Kwiecinski and Rosina Marie (Schiavo) Kwiecinski. Leo was a loving and generous husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to all. He was an avid life-long Steeler fan and never missed a game, always watching them live from his living room. He loved sports of all kinds, especially fishing and was happy to share equipment and techniques with kids who wanted to learn. The PA Lottery and casino slots were some of his favorite pastimes as well. Leo was proud of his 45 years as a machinist and journeyman tool and die maker and enjoyed teaching others his craft and staying current on the newest machines. Leo is survived by his loving wife and partner of 50 years, Mary Barbara Williams, sister Rose Ann Kwiecinski, brother Paul Joseph (Sandy Rymarchyk) Kwiecinski, many brothers-in-law and sisters-law, and many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Annette Marie Kwiecinski Troll, niece Alexis Catherine Troll, and sister-in-law Janet Komara. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, on Monday, March 31 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Agnes Church on Tuesday, April 1 at 11AM
March 27, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
March 27, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Karen J. Mohan, age 67 of North Huntingdon, passed away on March 26, 2025 after a short but courageous fight with cancer. She was born on June 28, 1957 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Richard Shidel Sr. and Mary Jo Shidel. Prior to her retirement, Karen was employed for 31 years by the Fairmont-Hahntown Volunteer Fire Department Social Club, many of those years having served as the co-manager. She was known for her elaborate holiday decorations, especially when it came to Halloween and Christmas. Karen became a master of the iPhone camera and she especially enjoyed taking photos of camp-fires, sunrises, and sunsets. She always looked forward to traveling and shopping, but most of all she loved her life and cherished the time she spent with her family. In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by one son Brandon Schmeltz and one sister Lee Ann Shidel. She is survived by her beloved husband of 29 years Patrick Mohan, three sons Brian Schmeltz, Patrick Mohan Jr., and Michael Mohan (Lacie), one daughter-in-law DeLaine Schmeltz, two sisters Mary Jo Bussard and Jodi Shidel (and fiancé Nick), three brothers Richard Shidel Jr. (and wife Sara), Anthony Shidel (and wife Kim), and Jeffery Shidel, six grandchildren Emma Lynn, Hunter, Michael, Conor, Gavin, and Ethan, and her canine companion Remi. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Saturday from 2 PM to 7 PM with a service at 7 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 26, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Peter B. Magill, age 72 of Irwin, passed away on March 25, 2025 at UPMC East Hospital. He was born August 3, 1952 in Lewistown, Pa, a son of the late Andrew and Joyce Bowman Magill. Peter was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a machinist for over 25 years with Carbide which later became Kennametal. He later was the owner / operator along with his son of Bowman R.C. Service. Peter enjoyed gardening and yard work, He was a graduate of Gateway High School, Class of 1970 and CCAC Boyce Park Campus. Peter served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Wesley. He is survived by his wife, Dolores (Amato) Magill, one son, Andrew (Kayla), one daughter, Brandi Charles (Chris), two brothers, John Magill (Sue), Richard Magill (Beverly), 7 grandchildren, Joshua, Skylar, Aaleyah, Christian, Izzy Brycen and Oakley. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the family in lieu of flowers. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 26, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Charles M. "Chuck" Balego, 85 years young of North Irwin died March 24, 2025 at UMPC East. He was born September 26, 1939 in Westmoreland City, a son of the late Andrew and Mary Orange Balego. Chuck was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Irwin. He was a 32nd degree Mason, participated in the Scottish Rite and was also a Shriner for over 25 years. Following high school, Chuck graduated from the Beauty Academy with a degree in cosmetology and received his license. He was later employed by RH Screw Machine, Westinghouse Airbrake and Westinghouse of East Pittsburgh, Following the closure of Westinghouse, he was self-employed in the insurance industry. Post retirement, he took on odd jobs to keep busy, riding quads, snowmobiling, hunting and camping are what he enjoyed. He loved the outdoors and also served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lynn Divelbiss Balego . He was the beloved father of Tawnie (Brian), Tarra (William) and Tye (Jesse), grandfather to Cameron, Chantall, C.J., Ciersten, Autumn, Bella, Addison, Sydnee, Gabby and his precious pup Jazzy. Also surviving is one brother, Ken Balego (Dolores) and a nephew Sammy. There will be no public visitation. A private Celebration of Life may be held at a future date, contact Tawnie. JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome. com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ASPCA in memory of Chuck.
