September 14, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Charles F. Smith, 89, peacefully passed away on September 13, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital. Born in Clarion, PA to Frances (Reinsel) and Fredrick A. Smith on April 20, 1933. Charles attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated in 1951 from Immaculate Conception High School. He was drafted at 18 for the Korean War and served proudly as a sergeant. After returning to Clarion in 1955, he married his high school sweetheart Gertrude A. (Hepinger) on April 16, 1955. As written in his yearbook “Our senior class “Super-Clown” – will see the world before settling down – with that cute junior!” After marriage and two children he then continued his Catholic upbringing by going to Duquesne University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1961. Although moving to the Pittsburgh area and settling in North Huntingdon Township to raise three children, Charles maintained and treasured a lifelong connection to hometown family members and to his Clarion roots. With his wife he manually built his dream hunting and fishing camp in the Cooks Forest area. Smith Family members have fond memories of over 60 years of family gatherings at Musket Manor. His woodworking talents are also shown in the numerous bird houses he gave to family and friends through the years. Charles had a prestigious 29-year career as a Manufacture Representative with 3M Company. He was top producer for the surgical division in the United States many times throughout his career. As he traveled within the US, he always put his family first. His outstanding career was truly a highlight in his life – he loved what he did and was always amazed for what he accomplished - as he saw himself as an average man. He retired in 1994 and was able to spend over 20 years of the winter months with his wife fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the waters of Pine Island Sound, FL in his boat called The Sea-Girt. Chuck was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a friend to everyone he met. He was known for his love of talking and sharing stories with everyone and anyone. He frequently entertained his family with groan-worthy songs and his off-beat sense of humor. Uncle Chuck was the final patriarch of his generation to the Smith family and will be deeply missed by all including numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Patrick in 2017 and his brothers and sisters, Mary Alice Flick, Patricia Barr, Frances Frost, Robert Smith and William Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gertrude, and son, Michael (Lori) Smith of North Huntingdon and daughter, Sally Smith (Daniel) Dugo of Slippery Rock. He has seven grandsons, Daniel, Mathew (Lauren), Richard (Kylie), Andrew (Jenna), Mitchell, Luke and Charles; and seven great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, North Huntingdon. Interment will take place on Monday at 1 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Clarion, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwin Area Meals on Wheels. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 13, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lisa M. Harris, 59, of North Huntingdon, passed away at Transitions Healthcare in North Huntingdon on September 12, 2022 after a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife of Richard D. Harris, and devoted mother to Caitlyn, Casimir, and Hallie Harris. Lisa was preceded in death by her parents Casimir and Agnes (Mattiko) Welcer, and sister Bonita (Welcer) Robertson. Born August 10, 1963, she was a 1981 graduate of West Mifflin High School North. Lisa was a hair stylist and could always be counted on to give a family member a quick cut without much notice. Lisa loved playing bingo, going to the casino and the musical group Styx. She was an incredible cook and could make the most delicious meal without a recipe. Most of all, Lisa loved her family, especially her husband of 33 years and her three beautiful children. Lisa made friends everywhere she went, and her friends were lifelong. When her family made the very difficult decision to change Lisa to hospice care, a constant stream of Transition’s staff began to come in to say their tearful goodbyes. Life will not be the same without her contagious and boisterous laugh. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her sister Kathleen (Welcer) Miele (Vito), brother Mark Welcer (Carol) and several nieces and nephews. 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 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment to follow in Long Run Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 07, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jimmie Lee Wills, 80, of Greensburg, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Murrysville Health and Wellness Center, Murrysville. He was born March 13, 1942 in West Unity, OH, a son of the late Raymond and Eva Jane (Gorsuch) Wills. Prior to his retirement, Jimmie Lee was a school photographer with Lifetouch National School Studios for Western PA and Northern West Virginia. He was a member of Calvary Chapel, Greensburg and attended American High School in Frankfurt, Germany and graduated from West Unity High School in Ohio and later received his Bachelors of Arts Degree from Michigan State. Jimmie was a US Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed hunting and was a Ham radio operator. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Darlene Ochoa. He is survived by his wife, Diane (Overfield) Wills; sons, Forest James (Maria) Wills, Joseph (Courtney) Brugnoli; daughters, Misti Brooke Wills, Tara Lee (Gerard) Slifkey; brother, David (Barbara) Wills; grandchildren, Evan Detwiler, Aslan, Giovanni, Parker, Oliver and Xavier Wills, Logan and Tyler Brugnoli, Gabrielle, Trinity, Genevieve Wills and Brooklyn Brugnoli. 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 01, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Adrienne Miller Geiger, age 85 of Larimer, Pa died September 1, 2022 at Forbes Hospital, Monroeville. She was born April 22, 1937 in Wilkinsburg, Daughter of the late William H. Miller Jr and Elizabeth Grubbs Miller. Adrienne was a member of St. John's UCC in Larimer. During her life she touched many people through her work as a social worker and mental health therapist. She held a BA from Seton Hill University and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. She loved traveling the world both near and far, reading and doing puzzles. She enjoyed spending time with her grandsons and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter P. Geiger Sr, a brother George G. Miller, sister Ruth Ann Miller Clawson, sister in law, Patricia Miller. She is survived by two sons, W. Patrick Geiger Jr., Scott H. Geiger (Teresa), grandchildren, W. Patrick Geiger III (Renee), Matthew Geiger, great grandchildren, Gavin and Kiera Geiger, brother, William Miller, brother in law, John Clawson, sister in law, Janice Miller. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment in Irwin Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. John's UCC in Larimer.
August 31, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Anne D. (Harrington) Lofstrom, 90, of N. Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022 after several years of dementia / Alzheimer’s. Anne was born on July 28, 1932, daughter of the late Mary (Joyce) and Michael Harrington. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and served for Christians Mothers for many years. She also was a member of Penns Woods civic Association. She worked at Bell telephone, Lofstrom Electronics, Inc., World of Values and retired from the Kmart Corporation. Anne was very charitable and liked helping others. She was preceded in death by her late husband Richard C. Lofstrom, her brother Robert (June) Harrington. Sister-in-law Barbara Harrington, her lifetime best friend Margie Soboslay, as well as many other relatives, neighbors and friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and survived by her three children, son Thomas R. Lofstrom of Lakewood, CO, son William C. Lofstrom (Ruth) of New Alexandria PA, daughter Joyce A. Lofstrom of Long Pond PA, and her only grandchild, Ean E. Lofstrom of Long Pond PA. She is also survived by her brother John Harrington of Gibsonia PA, nephews, Robert (Chris) Harrington of PA, Roy (Tina) Harrington of OH, Michael Harrington of FL, David (Kristin) Harrington of NJ, and nieces Virginia (Rich) Casalone of TN, Donna (Bill) Haller of SC, Patricia (Ken) Spicuzza of FL, Susan Killeen of PA, Sally Harrington of NJ. She is survived as well by many other relatives, friends, neighbors. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church followed by interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, N Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to cure Alzheimer’s at Alz.com. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 30, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Florence M. Opalinski, 97, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at The Grove, N. Huntingdon. She was born, September 6, 1924 in Scottdale, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Marie Kensick. Florence was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and enjoyed playing Bingo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Opalinski; son, Edward; sisters, Jean Janicki and Betty Porterfield. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Delmont and her husband, Barney; grandchildren, Brian (Jackie) Delmont, Lisa (Mike) Bowen, Edward (Angela) Opalinski; great-grandchildren, Alivia, Evan and Zeke. Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, N. Huntingdon. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
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August 29, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dolores Hepler, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Concordia of Fox Chapel, Cheswick. She was born October 8, 1938 in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late John and Ruth (Staley) Cantella. Prior to her retirement, Dolores was a secretary for Mars Area Middlesex Elementary School and she loved her students. She enjoyed camping, dancing, playing cards and baking cookies and was known as "the cookie lady". In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Wendy Hanlon. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Hepler; son, Jeffrey and his wife, Dawn; daughter, Barbara Blake; brothers, John (Adrienne) Cantella and Mike Cantella; grandchildren, Justin (Shannon) Blake, Steven Blake, Nikolas Hennig; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Dolores. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 27, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Belle S. Ranf, 73, of Greensburg, passed away Friday, August 26, 2022 at Golden Heights Personal Care Home, Irwin. She was born, November 7, 1948 in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Leo and Helen (Kohn) Schonwald. Belle was a loving mother and homemaker, and enjoyed all animals, especially horses and being outdoors. She is survived by her son, David Ranf and his wife, Katie; daughter, Erin Teeple and her husband, Ryan; brother, Steven Schonwald; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Julie, Henry and Adelia. There will be no visitation. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Belle. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 25, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
On Thursday, August 25, 2022, David Aiken, loving husband of Grace Aiken, father of Sherry Colonna (Brian) and Staci Sypien (Scott) and grandfather of Carly and Lily Colonna, passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-eight. To say David was a fan of NASCAR isn’t enough, David never missed a race and was a proud member of the Earnhardt nation. Every weekend he found himself glued to the race coverage tracking qualifying, practice and watching all the weekends series of racing. One of David’s top experiences of his fandom was meeting Dale Earnhardt with his daughter Staci when he came to Pittsburgh for a fan meet and greet at a local car dealership. A story and experience that has been proudfully shared over the years. During a family trip to Florida in 1994, David got to experience the real deal, he climbed in to seat of an actual NASCAR racecar and took it for a few laps around the famed Daytona speedway. If David wasn’t watching Nascar he was most likely planning his families next trip to Myrtle Beach. David truly loved the time spent at the beach with his family. He enjoyed researching restaurants and reviews “On the boards” and loved spending hours soaking in the sun. In recent years David was unable to travel to Myrtle Beach but found great enjoyment checking in on Myrtle Beach via webcams year-round. David also enjoyed an occasional day of fishing, researching the families next chevy vehicle and watching the antics of Victor Newman together with Grace. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sisters, Patti Berebaum, Diane Mihalko; nieces, Jennifer Laverick and Misty Ward; and nephew, Jim Laverick. Family and friends will be received 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
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August 20, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Gerald N. Sombo, "Jerry", 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at UPMC East, Monroeville. He was born March 7, 1932 in Braddock, son of the late John and Margaret (Servocky) Sombo. Jerry was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Coast Guard and retired from Westinghouse Corp. He was a life member of North Huntingdon Twp. Rescue 8, member of North Huntingdon Twp. Firemen's Association and former member of Hartford Heights VFD.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert J. Sombo. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne (Reed) Sombo; daughter, Lori Ann Suranski, and her husband, Richard, son, William H. Sombo, and his wife, Nancy, daughter, Lisa Marie Robertson; grandchildren, David (Brandi) Suranski, Matthew (Denelle) Suranski, Stephanie (John) Hellmann, Caitlyn (Eric) Sombo, Nicole Bryan, Samuel Gates Jr., Megan (Brent) Evejen; great-grandchildren, Alexia, Gracelyn, Layla, Lillie, Paisley, Christopher, Elaina, JR, Anna and Alex.Friends will be received from 2-4 & 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 on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment to follow in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Monroeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Huntingdon EMS. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 11, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
August 08, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Anne Burgman, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022 at The Grove. She was born September 21, 1938 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary Jackowski. Mary Anne was a homemaker and worked as a cashier for Rite Aid. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and enjoyed trips to the casinos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Emanuel Burgman, and brothers, Chuck and Peter Jackowski. She is survived by her children, Daniel Burgman, Donald (Eileen) Burgman, David Burgman, Doris Baker (Randy), Dennis (Cindy) Burgman and Deneen Gable; sister, Eileen (Norman) Heinack; sister-in-law, Fran Jackowski; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Blessing service will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwin Area Meals on Wheels. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
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
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
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
