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Marion Firestone Laughner

February 04, 2021 |

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

Marion Firestone Laughner, 101, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Redstone Highlands, N. Huntingdon.  She was born February 2, 1920 in Pittsfield, MA, a daughter of the late William Henry and Martina (Haller) Suttle. Marion was a graduate of Seton Hill University Class of 1957.   Prior to her retirement, Marion was a teacher for St. Agnes and Immaculate Conception Catholic schools and Franklin Regional School District.  She was a member of St. Agnes Parish, Catholic Daughters of America, and volunteered at Westmoreland Hospital and Redstone Library.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel Firestone, second husband, Ernest Laughner, step daughter Judith Laughner; sister, Martina Nehrig; and brother, William Suttle.  She is survived by her son, Richard J. Firestone and his wife, Jo Ellen; daughter, Ellen Kerber and her husband, Tom; sister, Margaret Ann Spencer; four grandchildren, Thomas Jr. (Kristen), Edward (Carolyn), Robert (Eean), Patrick, (Kelley); seven great-grandchildren Kelsey, Ryan, Keith, Kyle, and Samuel Kerber, Ben and Hayden Firestone; stepsons, Richard E. Laughner; John (Sandy) Laughner, Greg (Sandy) Laughner; stepdaughters,  Karen (Michael) Byers, Dolores Laughner. A special thanks to her loving niece and caregiver, Martina Nehrig Funk and also a special thank you to the capable and caring staff of Redstone, North Huntingdon.

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Karen Jean Pirl

February 02, 2021 |

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

Karen Jean Pirl, 63, of Irwin passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at her home.  She was born June 29, 1957 in Greensburg, a daughter of Bonnie Roberts Johnson and the late Carl Johnson.  Prior to her retirement, Karen was the office manager for N. Huntingdon Rescue 8 and a member of Calvary Assembly of God.  She enjoyed reading and loved being with her family and spending time with her grandchild.  She is survived by her husband, Robert Pirl; sons, Robert Jr. and his wife, Annie, Nicholas; daughters, Kelly Pirl, Molly Hamovich and her husband, Greg; brothers, John Johnson and Carl (Ann) Johnson; sisters, Cindy (Ken) Olesky, Terri (Mark) Klingensmith; and granddaughter, Piper.

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Judith A. Glaser

January 29, 2021 |

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

Judith A. Glaser, 85, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 at her home.  She was born January 31, 1935 in Pitcairn, a daughter of the late Andrew and Lavina (Smith) Szekely.  Judy was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  She enjoyed playing family card games, Bingo, baking, painting, spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin P. Glaser Sr.  She is survived by her three sons, Edwin Jr., Dan (Kelly), David (Vicki), two daughters, Cindy Raymer (Ron), Mary Anne Smatana (Mike); brother Danny (Patty) Szekely; sisters, Dotty Heaps and Honey Baney; 9 grandchildren, Kara, Keri, Jake, Sarah, Joshua, Hannah, Eli, Isaac, Abram; great-grandchildren, Hayley, Anna, Brixton and Ryan. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8  p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.

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Laura M. Kemerer

January 28, 2021 |

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

Laura M. Kemerer, age 56 of Irwin died January 27, 2021 at UMPC Shadyside. She was born April 22, 1964 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Joseph Jr.  and Alma Loutsenhizer Brentzel. Laura was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Laura was a graduate of Penn Township High school.  She was a radiologist and enjoyed gardening, and biking. She is survived by her husband, Frank Dell, two sons, Dave Kemerer (Rosslyn), Nathan Kemerer, three brothers, Joseph D. Brentzel and his wife Phyllis, Eric B. Brentzel and his wife Mary, Kelvin Brentzel and his wife Tina. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

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Robert E. Haden II

January 22, 2021 |

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

Robert E. Haden II, 70, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. Some people say that, no matter how old you are, your mind is still 25 years old. Bob Haden was one of those people. Forever young at heart, Bob traded in phrases like "Age is just a number," and "All to excess." For those who knew him in his 70 years, he lived these maxims; he was a force of nature, a cosmic prototype, but even the best-made machines eventually break down. After his latest cardiac tune-up, on Tuesday, Jan. 19, Bob did the final upload, sending his consciousness to the Cloud. A member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and active in the Mon Valley RC Club, some may know him by his ham radio call sign, K3OIU ("Old Indian Underwear"), an homage to his father's amateur radio moniker. He enjoyed meticulously building and flying model aircrafts, forever enchanted by the ability to trace majestic geometries in the air. Off the flying field, Bob was a MacGyver, custom-making equipment, and he loved being on the leading edge of technology. He indulged his love of sports cars throughout his life, their customization and impeccable cleanliness, starting with drag racing through Irwin in his youth. Back then, a threat from the police to tell his mother was all the discipline needed. Despite his beloved Corvettes and the like, he stated his Chrysler Crossfire was the most fun he had ever had on four wheels. Perhaps Bob's greatest legacy is his genius, sometimes arriving at work solutions during lucid dreams. At the age of 19, he began what would become a 47-year-long career at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. He started out as a technician, became a supervisor, and finished as a brilliant designer of thermohydraulic tests, all without ever obtaining a college degree. His children grew up under the tutelage of a self-made man who instilled in them passion, drive and an example of seeking one's own destiny. Inside this beloved man was a tender heart invested in his family, encouraging them to discover their highest happiness, whatever form that should take. Bob is survived by wife, Diana; children, Kim, Rob, Jonathan and Heather; grandchildren, Samantha, Shellbie and Maeve; great-grandson, Hero; and sister, Kathy. The mark he made on their lives and the lives of many is immeasurable; he will be greatly missed. There will be no visitation or service. Arrangements were made by the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Harriet K. Kruszyna

January 22, 2021 |

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

Harriet K. Kruszyna, 98, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Transitions Health Care Center, North Huntingdon.  She was born May 5, 1922 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Frank and Ida Kruzynski.  Prior to her retirement, Harriet was a secretary for St. Agnes where she was a member of the church, Christian Mothers and card club.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kruszyna.  She is survived by her children, Linda K. Simmeth and her husband, Michael, Richard M. Kruszyna and his wife, Patricia; grandsons, Richard and Michael Kruszyna; sister-in-law, Ann Kruzynski; nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Kathy and Dave Blazer.  Services are private.  Arrangements were made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Alexander A. "Butch" Nemeth Jr.

January 22, 2021 |

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

Alexander A. “Butch” Nemeth Jr., 71, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Newhaven Court at Linwood, Greensburg.  He was born May 7, 1949 in McKeesport, a son of the late Alexander A. and Rosezella (Holby) Nemeth.  Prior to his retirement, Alexander was a laborer for Pitt Service Center.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren, and was an avid Steelers fan.   He is survived by his sons, Sean (Jodie) Nemeth, Scott (Emily) Nemeth; sisters, Elaine (Ken) Shaw, Christine (Randy) Altman; grandchildren, Elliott, Megan, Ashley; and former wife and caregiver, Linda Nemeth.  There will be no visitations or service.  Donations may be made in memory of Alexander  to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, www.pcf.org.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Sandra L. Danielson

January 20, 2021 |

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

Sandra L. Danielson, 81, of McKeesport, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at her home.  She was born March 5, 1939 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Brookhauser) Gobbel.  Sandra was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of N. Huntingdon, was a videographer and enjoyed going to the beach.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Calvin Gobbel; and twin sister, Sue Ann O'Brien.  She is survived by her loving husband, Evert D.  Danielson; daughters, Leayn Hernandez and her husband, Robert and Linda Crowl and her husband, Wayne; grandchildren, Jason (Shelly), Tia (Travis), Quinn (Leigh Ann), Chelsea; great-grandchildren, Brady, Collin, Nate, Tyson, Tessa, Alana, Olivia and Amelia. Services are private.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  Donations may be made to Bridges Hospice in memory of Sandra.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Dorothy N. Bagnato

January 19, 2021 |

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

Dorothy N. Bagnato, 85, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021 at Golden Heights Personal Care Home. She was born June 5, 1935 in Oakland, a daughter of the late Thomas and Susan (Suvada) Costello. Dorothy was a Maitre D for years, was a member of St. Agnes Church and enjoyed praying the Rosary. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Richard; brother, Al Costello; sister, Dolores Conley; and nephews, Jackie, Charles and Donald. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Richard Bagnato; nieces, Janet, Lorraine (David), Marilyn (Clifford), Marylynn (David), Georgine, Dorrie; and nephews, Daniel, Frank (Debbie) and Donald (Teri). Friends will be received from 9-10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Monroeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Kerry Jean Saussaman

January 14, 2021 |

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

Kerry Jean Saussaman, age 52 of North Huntingdon died January 12, 2021 at Forbes Regional Hospital. She was born August 28, 1968 in Bronx, New York, a daughter of Patrick Purcell and the late Barbara Englund Purcell. Kerry was formerly employed as a music school teacher. She enjoyed arts and crafts, painting and singing. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son Jordan. She is survived by two sons, Tanner and Colby, two brothers, and her boyfriend Larry Baker. Services will be private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.

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Gertrude Stypula

January 09, 2021 |

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

Gertrude Stypula, age 88, a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021. She was born April 30, 1932 to Joseph and Anne Gress, and grew up in the Whitaker neighborhood with her siblings, Stephanie Pastirik, Joseph Gress and the late Mary Ellen Gress, George Gress, and Joanne Johnson. Gertrude and her beloved late husband of 65 years Frank had five children, Frank (Diane), Henry (Sandy), Lori Badarzynski (Ed), Christine Kiester (Kevin), and Linda Watson (Mike). Gertrude is survived by grandchildren Cameron, Dylan, Lauren, Nathan, Darrin, Ross, Ryan, Daniel, Bradley, Tyler and Conner.

Prior to her marriage she had achieved a supervisor position with AT&T. She then became a lifelong homemaker and enjoyed making her special Slovak/Polish meals anytime the family was together. Gert had a love for animals and took great pleasure in raising birds.

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Cliff Whitehead

January 07, 2021 |

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

Cliff Whitehead of North Huntingdon and formerly of Port Vue, died at (UPMC) McKeesport Hospital where he was born 82 years ago on August 26, 1938. He was the son of the late John and Helen Whitehead. Cliff was the devoted and loving husband of Sally (deceased) for 53 years.

Many people said Cliff was “one of a kind”. Over the years, he made many friends through his ventures in a variety of vocations and avocations including high school basketball at McKeesport under Cornelius “Neenie” Campbell, a stint in the U.S. Army where he entertained troops and civilians as a member of the singing group The Dinaros while stationed in Turkey, appliance specialist at Wander Sales and Kmart, positions in banking and finance including a colorful career as a collections agent (“repo man”), entrepreneur as owner of a Fox’s Pizza Den, chauffeur at The Lemon Tree, PIAA football and basketball official, and unofficial “Mayor of Sunset Valley” with the best neighbors ever.

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David J. Murray

January 07, 2021 |

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

David J. Murray, age 72 of North Huntingdon died January 6, 2021 at his home. He was born July 9, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Theodore and Mary Abel Murray. David was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a General Contractor and machinist. He enjoyed spending time on the family farm, time with his grandchildren, fishing, and camping. David was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during Vietnam.

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Maryann Daniels

January 04, 2021 |

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

Maryann Daniels, 65, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, January 1, 2021.  She was born October 21, 1955 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Delbert L. and Dorothy M. (Wiggins) Singler.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Delbert L. Singler who was killed in action while serving in Vietnam and brother David J. Singler.  Before her retirement, Maryann worked as a First Student Bus Driver and a Hillcrest Middle School cafeteria worker for 25+ years.  She often talked about all the children that she served and took such pride in her job.

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Doris M. Drop

January 04, 2021 |

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

Doris M. Drop, age 95, of North Huntingdon, went to be with the Lord on January 3, 2021 while at home. She was born in Garfield, PA, daughter of the late William and Theresa (Tartler) Watt. Doris held a deep devotion for the Lord, worshipping Him joyfully, and to her family for whom she loved to cook and bake. Doris was a member of Grace Life Church, Monroeville.

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