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Robert W. Fierst Sr.

August 08, 2022 |

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

Robert W. Fierst Sr., 89, of Jeannette, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  He was born June 6, 1933 in Butler, a son of the late Aloysius and Ethel Fierst.  Prior to his retirement, Robert worked for the maintenance department for Allegheny County and enjoyed fishing and loved his beer.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Chanery.  He is survived by his sons, Robert Jr. (Nikki), John (Melissa); daughters, Linda (Steve), Lorraine (Bill), Lori (Dennis), Lisa and Loretta; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  There will be no visitation.   Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Arlene Altman

August 02, 2022 |

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

Arlene Altman, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, August 1, 2022 at her home.  She was born May 3, 1934 in Harrison City, a daughter of the late John and Helen (Lauffer) Kemerer.  Arlene was a member of Circleville United Methodist Church and Norwin Art League.  She enjoyed embroidering, crocheting, sewing and gardening and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Frank Altman, infant daughter, Darla Joy and brother, Terry Kemerer.  She is survived by her children, Janine (Gary) Opfer, of Boston, PA, Cheryl (Earl) Kiser, of N. Irwin, Kirk (Deb) Altman, of Irwin, Renee (Andrew) Gabany, of Penn Twp., Craig (Kelli) Altman, of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Steven (Melissa) Opfer, Rachel Fawcett, Michael, Juliana, Sarah, Christina Gabany, Madison, Kellsi, Kirk Jr. and Kevin Altman.  Step grandchildren, Kelly (Jeff) Welding, Jessica Kiser; step great-grandchildren, Ella, Jeffrey, Oliver, Keraline, Hunter, D.J., Zoe; step great-great-grandchild, Liam; and sister, Sue (Gary) Oden.   Friends will be received on Thursday  from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in Circleville United Methodist Church.  Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.  The family would like to thank Excela Health Hospice for their compassionate care.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Krystyna S. Kozaczka

July 29, 2022 |

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

Krystyna S. Kozaczka, 67, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at UMPC East.  She was born March 8, 1955 in Poland, a daughter of the late Franek and Zdislawa Kozaczka. Krystyna worked in Human Resources for Family Services of Western PA.  She enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, landscaping and spending time with her grandchildren.  She is survived by her son, Rafal Czechowski; daughter, Agnieszka Czechowski; brother, Roman Kozaczka; grandchildren, Julian, Isabela, Jade and Holder.  There will be no visitation.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Frederick E. Zoerb

July 28, 2022 |

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

Frederick E. Zoerb, 90, of Irwin, formerly of Somerset, passed into our Lord’s merciful and healing embrace on July 26, 2022. Born on May 1, 1932 to Frederick W. and Margaret E. (Voelker) Zoerb. Fred was a graduate of McKeesport High School, a veteran of the Korean War, an employee of Duquesne Light during which his long tenure culminated in the managerial position before retirement. Fred was predeceased by his sister, Marion J. Lloyd; son, Dale A. Zoerb; wife of 51 years, Mary Ellen (Nordin) and his second wife of 15 years, Florence (Spano). Fred lived life to the fullest enjoying all aspects of shooting including hunting, targets, and reloading. He spent years raising and racing pigeons. He worked hard to earn a license to pilot small aircraft. In retirement, Fred fulfilled a lifelong dream of operating his own small farm including livestock, hayfields, Kubota equipment and a huge barn. As he aged, Fred became quite the wordsmith and was published by a number of magazines including Game News & Reminise, as well as by several newspapers. Fred took great joy in crafting personal limericks for family and friends. Frederick is survived by his son, Fred A. Zoerb; and his daughter, Deborah A. Weeks, “Dotter”. Fred was a unique, often humorous, grandfather who enjoyed many special activities and adventures with James Zeminiski, “James Arfer” (Sarah) and Jonathan Zeminski, “Yunco” (Kristen) who lovingly nicknamed him “Fezziwig” and “Pappapio”. He was a caring and thoughtful Pappap to Peter Weeks, “The Esquire” (Kristy) and to his one and only granddaughter, Angela Weeks, “Angela Mia”. Because Fred was blessed with many long and healthy years, he was able to share time with and chuckle over the personalities and shenanigans of his five great-grandchildren, Carter, Izzy, Elijah, Wyatt and Chloe. Fred will be deeply missed by all who ever experienced the pleasure of his company (including conversations with his limited Japanese learned while in the service), be it family or friends. Because Fred had a special place in his heart for Norwin Area Meals on Wheels, donations to that helpful organization, in lieu of flowers, may be made. A private family service was held at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home before interment in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Patrice M. Moody

July 28, 2022 |

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

Patrice M. Moody, 68, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  She was born March 11, 1954 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Ralph and Helen (Baldauf) Raber.  Prior to her retirement, Patrice was a secretary for Dowling Insurance Company and was a member of Norwin Christian Church.  She enjoyed attending Bible study and riding her horse, Jody.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Moody.  She is survived by her sons, John Moody (Jenn), Brian Moody and his wife, Molly; brother, James Raber; sister, Linda (Frank) Raczkiewicz; grandchildren, Cora, Isaac, Adalind, Hudson and Raelynn.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will be held on Monday at a time 10 a.m in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Phillip A. Lazzaro

July 26, 2022 |

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

Phillip A. Lazzaro, 72 of  Forest Hills died July 24, 2022 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Oakland. He was born January 16, 1950 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Joseph and Catherine Ossler Lazzaro. Phillip was an entrepreneur in the food and restaurant industry. He enjoyed playing pool, food, cooking, entertaining, cards, bowling, travel, but most especially spending time with his family. He served our country in the U.S. Air Force during the war in Vietnam.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Anthony "Opie" Lazzaro . He is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores, two daughters, Natalie Lockhart and her husband Logan, Stephanie Adeniran and her husband Olamilekan, three brothers, Michael, Stephen (Janet), Richard (Adrienne) Lazzaro, three sisters, Joann and Patricia Lazzaro, Mary Beth Kernan (Timothy), one grandchild, Samson Adeniran.  Visitation will be held Sunday from 3-7 P.M. and a funeral service will be held at 7 P.M in the funeral home chapel.  Military Honors will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Arrangements by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Ellis Mae Stonecipher

July 26, 2022 |

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

Ellis Mae Stonecipher, age 85 of North Huntingdon died July 25, 2022 at home. She was born July 19, 1937 in Woodland, Mississippi, a daughter of the late Frank and Martha Wofford Darby. Prior to her retirement, Ellis was the public service director for Turtle Creek Council of Government. She enjoyed painting with oils and pastels, and    jewelry making. Ellis attended Oakridge High School and graduated from Clinton High School. She was preceded in death by her husband Nathan K. in 2018. She is survived by her son, Robert Russell and his wife Sherri, a daughter, Martha Gold and her husband Andrew, 4 grandchildren, Lauren Ludovicy (Paul), Lindsay Penn, Nathan and Rachel Stonecipher, great grandchild  Judith Corvina. Services will be held at a later date in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Memorials may be made to the Oliver Springs Historical Society. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Michael L. Faccenda Jr.

July 22, 2022 |

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

Michael L.. Faccenda Jr., 62, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on December 27, 1959 in Pittsburgh, son of Michael (Donna) Faccenda and Rose Marie Esquivel. Michael was a graduate of South Hills Catholic High School Class of 1977 and was a produce manager for Giant Eagle for many years. He served on the Board of Western Westmoreland Municipal Authority and was a former commissioner of North Huntingdon Township. Mike was a member of Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club and was very involved with the Boy Scouts and served as a leader. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his canine companion, Gracie. He is survived by his wife, Melissa (Miles) Faccenda; sons, Matthew and Michael; daughter Bianca (Dane) Plotner; brother, Nick (Meredith) Faccenda; sister Carmen (Paul) Faccenda-Harshall; and sister Lia Faccenda.

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Robert Paul Bollinger

July 20, 2022 |

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

Robert Paul Bollinger, 84, of North Huntingdon, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Allegheny General Hospital.  He was born June 23, 1938, a son of the late Earl and Mary (Maloney) Bollinger.  Prior to his retirement, Bob was a salesman for Kmart and a veteran of the US Army.  He was a member of St. Agnes Church, VFW Post 781 and Norwin Lions Club.  He enjoyed fishing, going to the gym and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, Joe and Leo; sister, Joni.  He is survived by his sons, Robert (Rose) Bollinger, David (Maureen) Bollinger; daughters, Carol Giron, Mary Ann Bollinger, Megan (Greg) Bollinger; brother, Jack Bollinger; sisters, Gerry Isher Wood, Patty Painter, Dolores Balogh; grandchildren, Nicole, Heather, Samantha, Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Urijah, Aiden, Noah and Mason; and former wife, Joyce (Christ) Bollinger.  Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in St. Agnes Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Doris E. Bailey

July 19, 2022 |

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

Doris E. Bailey, 96, of Bridgeport, WV, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022.  She was born July 19, 1925 in Ohio, a daughter of the late Wesley and Pearl Miller.  Doris was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer Bailey.  She is survived by her sons, Harry Bailey and his wife, Leslie and Wilmer Bailey and his wife, Mara; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.  Services are private.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Judith D. Jackson

July 19, 2022 |

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

Judith D. Jackson, 82, of Greensburg, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022 at Hempfield Manor, Greensburg. She was born December 27, 1939 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Jerry and Marjorie (Johnson) Cortes. Judy was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1956 and enjoyed reading and playing Bunco with her friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Jackson in 2012, brother, Timothy Cortes, and sister, Beverly Snyder. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Jackson; brothers, Jerry (Judy) Cortes, Gilbert (Debbie) Cortes; sisters, Janet (Roger) Gettemy, Donna Vincent, Marjorie Steele and Claudine (Gary) Gulasky; and several nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, 804 W. Diamond Ave, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 USA in memory of Judith. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Sandy (Sandra) L. Zelno

July 17, 2022 |

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

Sandy (Sandra) L. Zelno, 74, of North Huntingdon, formerly of Scranton, Pa., passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 16, 2022 at her home.  She was born September 20, 1947 and was raised by her grandmother, uncles and aunt. Sandy was an advocate for children, served as a State Certified Lobbyist for the Education Law Center, where she was an expert in public school state funding reform and co-founded the PA School Reform Project.   Also as an expert in school funding, she played a critical role in getting the state to do a costing out study for public education.  This study continues to be relied upon as the battle for an adequate and equitable continuous in PA state courts and in the legislature.  Previously she worked for Mon Valley Education Consortium and Norwin School District.  She served with the PTA on the local and state level and was regional vice president of the National PTA Chapter and past president of the state PTA. She also served as the state and national parliamentarian for the PTA. Locally she had been involved with Girl Scouts, Norwin Public Library and Norwin Band Aides. She was preceded in death by her uncles, Eugene Squires and Gordon Hughes; aunt, Alice Hughes, cousin, Gordon Hughes Jr., brothers-in-law John Galeano  and Mitch Zelno and his wife Rosanne.  She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Nicholas Zelno; daughter, Sherry Zelno; cousins, with whom she was raised, Martha Hughes Neary, Nancy Hughes Hodanich and Eugene Hughes;  Gordon's wife, Mary Ann Hughes; and several nieces and nephews.  Also survived by sisters-in-law, Frances Heaney and Gene, Marilyn (Rich) Charsky, and Denice Galeano.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwin Public Library.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Jane Inks

July 17, 2022 |

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

G. Jane Inks, 77, of Irwin, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022. She was born on October 6, 1944, in Gallitzin, PA to Ralph and Genevieve Ratchford and was the last of eight children all of whom preceded her in death. Married to Rev. Paul Inks on July 28, 1962. Jane passed just 2 weeks shy of their 60th anniversary. They have two children – Karen (Scott) Casturo of North Canton, OH and Keith (Marcy) Inks of Waterford, PA. She was the grandmother of eight: Chelsey (Brice) Burner, Scott (Caroline) Casturo, Ashton (Kevin) Crowl, Tiffany (Brock) Himmelheber, Jessica (Joseph) McIntire, Casey (Tyler) Alexander, Jacob Inks and Callie Inks; and eleven great grandchildren.

Active in Christian life and ministry; She was the organist in her home church for several years, an accomplished pianist, choir member in several churches, led children’s choirs, rang bells in bell choirs, taught third and fourth grade Sunday School classes, did clown ministry, was a Bible school teacher / leader, served on the conference family ministry team, was on the District Committee on Superintendency, and served on the Meals on Wheels Board in the 1970’s. Jane was a den mother for Cub Scouts, loved gardening and bird watching. She enjoyed artwork, ceramics and doing cross-stitching spending countless hours creating beautiful quilts and Christmas stockings for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff on 2AB at Westmoreland Hospital who were very compassionate and kind during her stay. They all said she was a favorite patient because she was so friendly and kind to everyone. Which is no surprise because everyone who knew her felt the same way about this loving woman.

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Edward R. Koncerak

July 15, 2022 |

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

Edward R. Koncerak, 62, of Irwin passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022.  He was born February 9, 1960 in Wilkinsburg, a son of Catherine (Crans) Koncerak and the late Robert S. Koncerak. Prior to his retirement, Edward was a draftsman in the building industry.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, an Eagle Scout, and enjoyed painting, drawing and spending time with his brothers.  He is survived by his loving daughter, Elena; brothers, Robert D. (Carol) Koncerak, William F. (Betsy) Koncerak and Kenneth G. (Adrienne) Koncerak.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 9:30 in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  Interment to follow in All Saints/Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Braddock Hills, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Louis Caputo

July 14, 2022 |

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

Louis Caputo, age 94 of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022 in Greensburg, PA. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 plus years Frances (Sage) Caputo, daughter Laurin (Greg) Colner of Surf City, NC, son James Caputo of North Huntingdon, PA and his two loving grandchildren Elizabeth Colner of Raleigh, NC and Matthew Colner of Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by parents Anna Vacco and James Caputo and sister Theresa Bochicchio. Lou joined the Navy at 17 and was a World War II veteran. Upon his return home from the war, he was co-owner of an Appliance/HVAC installation business. In the late 1960’s, he changed careers and joined Matt’s Furniture (North Versailles, PA) as a Salesman until he retired. In the late 1970’s he took up golf and became passionate about the game. Over the years he accumulated 3 “Holes In One” and he shot his age at 85. Lou was a true Pittsburgh sports fan and loved his Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. One of his famous sayings was “What are you gunna to do?”. His family used to call him Mr. Fixit as he had a propensity to fix anything that broke. His charisma, beautiful smile, stories, and wit will never be forgotten. A celebration of Lou’s life is being scheduled for a later date. Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516