July 13, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Margaret “Margie” S. Kraus, age 83, of North Huntingdon, left this world with her final punchline on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Margaret, known for her quick wit and infectious laughter, was born in McKeesport on September 24, 1940, and was the daughter of the late Walter P. and Rose Marie (Mulligan) Snyder. She is now reunited with her loving husband of 58 years, William W. Kraus. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister Mary Bernadette Comunale. Margaret is survived by her children Emily Reich, Elizabeth Schehr, Rose Kraus, Larry Kraus (Jennifer), and Kate Berger (John), who will continue her legacy of humor and kindness. Margaret's adoring grandchildren Alexandra and Madeline Reich, Madison and Michael Schehr, Taylor, Austin and Dylan Kraus, Jessica, Joseph, and Kendall Berger will cherish the memories of her playful antics and unwavering love. She is also survived by her brother Walter D. Snyder and numerous nieces and nephews.
After raising 5 children, Margaret fearlessly pursued higher education, earning an associate's degree in Medical Transcription. She was always there for her children, whether it was helping them with school projects or making sure they had a warm breakfast before 6 AM swim practice. Margaret's zest for life was amplified by her love for music - our house could be heard rocking to John Denver, Barry Manilow, The Beach Boys Christmas, Neil Diamond, or Marlo Thomas’s Free To Be You and Me on repeat. She made each of her children feel like she was their biggest fan, supporting them in her own unique way. Margaret also touched the lives of her grandchildren, maintained lifelong friendships, and was known for her perfect gravy at Thanksgiving. Her selflessness and love knew no bounds, and she spread joy wherever she went.
We also want to express our gratitude to Margaret's caregivers, Virginia and the Berger family, for their unwavering support and care for Margaret. We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the people who have been there for the Berger family during this time. Their kindness and concern have made a meaningful difference.
Today, as we remember Margaret, let's honor her by sharing a good laugh and embracing the joy she brought into our lives. As her lifelong friend Darlene said upon hearing of her death, “Don’t cry, laugh.” Her contagious laughter will echo in our hearts forever. Cheers to Margaret, the ultimate comedian and champion of love. To Billy, Honey I'm Home."
Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Monday from 5 PM to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Tuesday at 10 AM, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Margaret's name to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA, Pittsburgh Office (ALZ.org). www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 12, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia A. May, age 92 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 11, 2024 at her home. She was born in Pittsburgh on May 10, 1932, a daughter of the late Kenneth McCuean and Grace Blazer McCuean. Prior to her retirement, Patricia was employed as an office manager at K-Mart. In her free time, she loved to cook, bake, and work on crafts. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charles in 2018. She is survived by her two sons, Charles May (Anita) and Keith May, two daughters, Cathy May and Karen Grus (Kevin), one brother, Kenneth McCuean, two sisters, Frances Greco (James) and Linda Law, grandchildren Charles, Jill, Kim, Scott, Brandon, Jenna, Brian, Kaylan, and Kirstin, and many great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Sunday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Final Visitation will take place in the funeral home on Monday at 9:30 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 11, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna Faye Maglicco, 72 of North Huntingdon died on July 10, 2024 at her home. She was born on October 26, 1951 in Mckeesport, a daughter of the late Charles and Flo Lowery Roler. Prior to her retirement, Donna was employed by Maracini's in the meat department. She later enjoyed babysitting for various families. Donna enjoyed volleyball, gardening, her pets and spending time with her children and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Jr. in 2015. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bruce, her daughter Marcie Tanner (Tony), a sister, Cheryl Timko (Ronald), one grandchild, Jennifer, and four great grandchildren, Kaylee, Lydin, Madelyn, Rose. Visitation and services will be private. Entombment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 07, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Richard A. Gasparro, age 60 of West Newton died July 6, 2024 at his home. He was born February 20, 1964 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Richard and Michelle Horning Gasparro. Richard was a graduate of Penn Trafford High School. He was a life long mechanic and employed by Yough School District as a bus driver. He enjoyed working on cars, spending time with his family and grandchildrren, drag racing and working on his son's hot rod Chevy with him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Mazak Gasparro, three sons, Chad Gasparro (Lexi), Jesse Gasparro and Joshua Gasparro (Tessa), 4 grandchildren, Ryder, Jett, Jagger, and Roxzen. 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 Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment in Irwin Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in memory of Richard. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 06, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Louis E. Berta, 91, of North Huntingdon died July 5, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. He was born January 4, 1933 in West Mifflin, a son of the late Louis Sr. and Edna Young Berta. He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church of Irwin and was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Korean War. Louis was a proud Eagle Scout and Boy Scout leader, having started Troop 250 in Penns Woods and was the scout leader for over 20 years. He loved his yearly family vacations at the Outer Banks, enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing in a dartball league, and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. Prior to his retirement, was employed by U.S. Steel Research. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister Barbara Reaney and brother in law Richard Lobaugh. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 68 years, Jerry; daughters, Lori Wachter (David), Pamela Soboslay (David), and Melissa Cashdollar (Robert); grandchildren, Drs. Sadie Ackerman (Jordan), Nathan Wachter (Allyn), Zachary Hornak (Tiffany), Tyler Thomas (Angel), and Tessa Thomas; great grandchildren, Izzy, Josie, Emma, Levi, Ethan, Asher, and C.J.; brothers in law, James Reaney and Thomas Lobaugh, and nephew Ralph Friend (Kelly). Visitation will be Tuesday, July 16, 10 AM – 12 PM, followed by a service at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 05, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary D. Golden, age 76 of Irwin died July 5, 2024 at Independence Westmoreland Hospital. She was born March 4,1948 in Cucumber West Virginia, a daughter of the late Sterling and Ruth Saviski Wallace. Mary enjoyed making floral arrangements, bird watching, jigsaw puzzles and crocheting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Pruitt. She is survived by two daughters, Theressa Freeburn and Nicole Petor (John), two brothers, Sterling and Stephen Wallace, a sister, Dolores Legion, 4 grandchildren, Christine, Alexa, Lilyan and Logan, and her high school friend Vince Wise. The family wishes to extend a thank you for the staff at Hempfield Manor for all their care and compassion shown to Mary during her stay with them. There will be no public visitation. Services will be private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 05, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Barbara J. Petro, 81 of North Huntingdon passed peacefully away at home on Thursday July 4, 2024. She was the daughter of the late James and Harriet Wright Roycroft. Barbara was a member of Circleville U.M. Church where she taught Sunday school and was the leader along with her husband, George of the youth group for many years. Barbara was also a girl scout leader for her daughters troops. She also volunteered for the Westmoreland County Food Bank. She is survived by her husband, George of 62 years, her daughters, Deborah Altman (Kirk), Sandra Gillon (Frank), and Susan Vargo (Ray), eight grandchildren, Crystal Smith (Greg), Andrew Hayden (Erica), KJ Altman (Darcy), Kevin Altman, Jonathan Vargo (Angela), Emily Vargo, Nathan Gillon, Jessica Philabauem (Jake), and ten great grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday 2-8 PM at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike. A service will be held Tuesday 10 AM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barb’s favorite animal shelter, White Oak Animal Safe Haven, 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 04, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Phyllis Lorraine Sprague (nee Campbell), age 94 of North Huntingdon, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away on July 3, 2024 at her home. She was born on April 19, 1930 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Clyde and Ada Taylor Campbell. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband George Sprague, son Mark Sprague; sons-in-law, Cloyd Anderson and Randy Wippich; sisters, Peg Harris, Jean MacNeil, Grace Singler, her brothers, James and Charles Campbell, and her lifelong friend Phyllis McCue. Phyllis is survived by her loving children, Joyce Anderson, Marilyn (Chuck) McCoy, Carrie Wippich, and Scott (Michelle) Sprague. She was a cherished grandmother to Shawn and Brian Anderson, Dawn Fidler, Carly and James McCoy, and Cameron Sprague, and a great-grandmother to Eric, Keegan, and Hailey Anderson, Travis and Gage Anderson, and Ruby McCoy. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Known for her beautiful, kind, and caring nature, Phyllis had a strong spirit and was immensely talented. Her presence brought light and warmth to those around her, and she will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew her. A Celebration of Life for Phyllis will be determined and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice in memory of Phyllis Sprague. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 30, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lois Jean Peters, 86, passed away peacefully in her home on June 29, 2024. Lois was born on April 14, 1938, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Richard and Elizabeth Beswick. Lois graduated Greensburg High School in 1956 and worked at Gimbels Department Store. Lois was a charter member of Christ United Methodist Church of North Huntingdon. She graced everyone she met with her charming and optimistic personality. Lois loved traveling to Sea Club V in Florida, cooking, shopping, and baking with her granddaughters. Lois’s greatest joys in life were her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lois is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Peters, her brother George Beswick, and sister Elizabeth "Pinky" Baker. She is survived by her 4 children, Wendy (Keith) Staso, Lisa (Robert) Scheideman, Jeffrey (Patricia) Peters, and Holly (Joseph) Coghill; 10 grandchildren, Tara and Leah Kristopaitis, Jonathan and Amanda Staso, Rebecca, Ethan, and Evan Peters, Courtney and McKenzie Coghill, and Kendra Scheideman; and 5 great-grandchildren, Roman, Monroe, Nadea, Charlotte, and Bennett. SHE WAS LOVED. Donations in kind may be given to Christ United Methodist Church of North Huntingdon, 2880 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, PA 15131. The family of Lois Peters would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who made Lois’s life so full, cared for her, and showed her the love she so freely gave to others. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 2-7 P.M. Services and interment will be private . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church, 2800 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, Pa 15131. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
June 28, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Marlane M. Markiewicz, age 75 of Larimer, passed away on June 28, 2024. She was born on February 16, 1949 in Greenfield, the daughter of the late Buzz McWhirter and Betty Callahan McWhirter. Marlane was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin. Marlane cherished her role as a homemaker, and she always looked forward to shopping and spending time with her friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Tina Chergi, and her brother Jimmy McWhirter. Marlane is survived by her beloved husband, William Markiewicz, brother Buzz McWhirter (Susan), nephews Buzzy McWhirter (Sasha) and Rob McWhirter (Camille), brother and sister in-law Dan and Beth Markiewicz, numerous family and friends, and her canine companion, Rusty. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Marlane's honor to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 28, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Savona Auberle, age 95 of North Huntingdon, passed away at her home on June 26, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1928 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Cologero (Carl) and Mary Patti Savona. Mary was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1946, and a member of the Mary Mother of God Parish in McKeesport. Mary loved her role as a homemaker. She was passionate about baking, and also loved to sew, knit, quilt, crochet, and make homemade candy. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years L. James Auberle, brother Anthony Savona, and sister Sara Nardina. She is survived by her son, Dr. James Auberle, daughter Karen Hathcock (Rick), grandchildren Melissa Studer, Esq. (Jacob), and Dr. Christine Auberle, and great-grandchildren Jackson Asher and James Walker. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 2-4 PM. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 A.M. followed by interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all of Mary's private caregivers, as well as Suncrest Hospice for their care and compassion. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 28, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donald L. Snyder, age 86 of North Huntingdon died June 27, 2024 at home. He was born March 27, 1938 in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Walter Snyder and Verna Holt. Prior to his retirement, Don was employed as a bus driver for the former Port Authority Transit of Allegheny County for over three decades. He was a graduate of Wilkinsburg High School, an avid reader, enjoyed model trains, fishing, history, and Pittsburgh sports. Don was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Snyder in 2002. He is survived by his son, Lee Snyder, two daughters, Phyllis Kollar, Dawn Ward (Luther), two grandchildren, Brenden Kollar (Karen), and Luther Ward. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday, July 2 from 3-7 P.M. Interment will be private in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to White Oak Animal Shelter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
June 24, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Harry N. Davis, age 96 of North Huntingdon, passed away on June 23, 2024 at Redstone Highlands in Greensburg. He was born on April 29, 1928, in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Bryan and Marie Donovan Davis. Prior to his retirement, Harry was employed by U.S. Steel Edgar Thomson Works for 36 years and retired as Head Steel Distributor in 1983. He was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, and he enjoyed playing in the Dartball League at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. He always looked forward to singing with his friends in the SPEBQSA Barbershop Harmony Society. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Nellie Witenberg Davis in 2016. He is survived by his son, Daniel Davis, two daughters, Marilynn Bryant (Jackie) and Suzanne Zavora (David), two grandchildren, Aaron (Caitie) and Katelyn (Ian), and two great-grandchildren, Jensen and Everett. Friends will be received in the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Thursday from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 24, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Edy Harvey, 69 of North Huntingdon lost her battle to pancreatic cancer after an eight year courageous fight. She passed away at home with her family to join her Savior on June 23, 2024. She was born in McKeesport June 17, 1955, a daughter of the late George and Jane Kennedy Alund. In addition to her parents Edy was preceded in death by her sister Wendy Slafka in 2021. Edy is survived by her husband Mark A. Harvey, two sons Justin Harvey and Ryan Harvey and his wife Becky. She is also survived by her brother David Alund, and his wife Pamela, and their daughters Natalie Alund and Courtney Alund Lopez & family, all from Tennessee. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Mark Slafka and his sons Nathan & family and Christian of Irwin, her Aunt Judith Alund from White Oak. Also surviving is Tanya Klinger of Derry and her son Scott Klinger, daughter Megan Capets and family & Emily Garuccio & family. Edy graduated from McKeesport High School in 1973. She worked as a lab tech at UPMC in Oakland for 30 years and as a jack-of-all-trades with her husband Mark in their pediatric dental practice for 25 years. Her support and friendly personality helped many patients and parents accept dental treatment. Everybody loved Edy. She and her husband retired during the pandemic in 2020. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A service will be held on Thursday at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 22, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Beth Tucak Jenets, age 64 of North Huntingdon, formerly of Braddock Hills, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at her home. She was born on May 20, 1960 in North Braddock, a daughter of the late John and Josephine Tucak. Mary Beth was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin. She was employed by the University of Pittsburgh, and also Carnegie Mellon University. She always looked forward to spending time with her student employees. Mary Beth loved gardening, the sun, the beach and she cherished her fur babies. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Stephen Arintok. Mary Beth is survived by her husband, Bob Jenets, her daughter Lauren Jenets (Nicholas), and her grandson, Remington Luketic. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Wednesday from 3 PM. to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to her family through the funeral home website www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
