July 17, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James E. Peddicord, 65 of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at his home. He was born, November 26, 1954 in Pittsburgh, son of Catherine (Artman) Peddicord and the late Louis Peddicord. Jim was a member of St. Agnes Parish and loved singing in the choir. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan and enjoyed fishing in Erie, singing karaoke, spending time with his family and especially eating sweets. In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Jack and Mike; sister-in-law, Laurie Peddicord; and nephew, Mike. He is survived by his brothers, Louie (Karen), John, Kenwood, Sam (Laurie), Mick and Steve (Rena); sisters, Linda Proctor, Debbie Constantine, Kate Hawk and JoAnn Brugnoli; aunt, Mary Pogel; Goddaughter, Pilar Swankler; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
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July 11, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James M. Minarchin, age 77, of Dauberville, Pa., formerly of White Oak, died July 10, 2020 at the Hershey Medical Center. He was born March 26, 1943 in Duquesne, Pa., a son of the late Michael and LaVerne Pilcher Minarchin. James was a member of the Glad Tidings Church, Wyomissing, Pa. Prior to his retirement he was employed as an outside machinist at Carpenter Technology and formerly employed by U.S. Steel in Duquesne. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Korea. Jim enjoyed bike riding and was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren . He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Robert Minarchin. He is survived by his wife, Bonita Wiles Minarchin; three daughters, Lori Gergley (Ronald), Lisa Minarchin, Linda Werner; one sister Sharon Patrick; 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Seth, Angelina, Madison, Riley, Ariana; 5 great-grandchildren, Jayce, Aiden, Xander, Roman and Colton. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment 2:30 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
July 06, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Barbara Ann Fairbaugh, age 93 of North Huntingdon formerly of Liberty Boro died July 6, 2020, She was born May 26, 1927 in Wall, Pa , where she grew up. She was the daughter of the late Pete and Frances Yunitz Hurwatic. Throughout her life, Barbara was employed as a waitress at various restaurants including Stratigos, The Bellmont, Club Car and the White Elephant. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, shopping and fine shoes. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James F. Fairbaugh and 6 brothers and sisters.
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July 04, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Duane R. Brokenbek, Jr., 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away July 3, 2020 at the Veterans Hospital H.J. Heinz Campus after a hard-fought health battle that used up the last of his nine lives. His family is at peace knowing he is reunited with his wife of 40 years, the love of his life, Michelle (Weinberg) Brokenbek, who preceded him in death. Duane is the son of the late Duane R. Brokenbek Sr. and Rose Brokenbek. He is also survived by his brother James (Maryann) Brokenbek of McKeesport. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 18 and was deployed during the Vietnam War for two years. His service included the The Battle of Khe Sanh, one of the heaviest bombardments in history. After being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant, Duane put himself through college while working full-time and raising a family, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at California University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He then used his education and experience working for the Department of Veterans Affairs as Team Leader for the Veterans Resource Center for over 30 years assisting thousands of veterans in group and individual counseling, as well as helping to obtain jobs, housing, health benefits and other necessities for military members. He anonymously donated many turkeys every Thanksgiving to families in need as well as countless other community charities, including St. Jude’s Children’s. Arra Hospital, Operation Smile and Disabled American Veterans. Duane lived a full life including being a bodyguard for Bob Hope, one of his heroes, during a USO Tour in Vietnam, helping Bo Diddley carry his guitars, holding Ann-Margret’s luggage when she visited Vietnam and being stuck in a revolving door with Mick Jagger, who notoriously said “excuse me” first. Beyond his brushes with celebrities, he lived a quiet life alongside his soulmate Michelle, raising rabbits he then donated to 4H groups, collecting vintage audio and listening to obscure vinyl records. He lived for spending time with his four children who became resilient hard workers, generous people, and kind hearts because of their parents; Leah Leber, Marc (Leighann) Brokenbek, Seth (Jill) Brokenbek, and Shana (Marc) Tokarski. He took great joy any time he could be near his grandchildren, who he adored and could do no wrong in his eyes. His grandchildren fan club include Jaxton Leber, Isaac and Cianna Brokenbek, Jane Brokenbek, and Brooks, Eli and Sadie Tokarski. Duane asked that any contributions on his behalf be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, or to treat a friend to a meal and conversation. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Interment will be held at the Temple B'nai Israel Cemetery at Elrod, Center Street in Versailles on Tuesday at 1 PM.
June 29, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joan M. Hudson, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020. She was born November 14, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph and Esther Josephine (Rieke) Scully. Prior to her retirement, Joan was a call center supervisor for Allegheny Answering Service. She was a board member of N. Huntingdon Education Service Agency and was in charge of the crossing guards for the Norwin School District and enjoyed cross-stitching. She is survived by her children, Debi (Nicholas) Hotujec, Scott (Beverly) Hudson, Richard (Joyce Vaughn) Hudson; grandchildren, Christine (Don) Schnarrenberger, Nicholas (Jessica) Hotujec, Jeremy Hudson, Kristina Jo Hudson; great-grandchildren, Rori, Phoenix, Griffin, and Brealyn. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warriors. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 27, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Ethel M. Yanowitch, 96, of North Braddock, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Westmoreland Manor. She was born July 27, 1923 in Brentwood, a daughter of the late Melvin and Sophie Klink. She was a member of St. William Catholic Church, East Pittsburgh where she served on the Altar Society and loved to sing in the choir. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary for North Braddock Fire Department, 1st Ward, and loved to dress up for the ladies auxiliary and the children's Halloween and Christmas parties. She loved visiting the Atlantic City casinos with the ladies bus tours. She loved writing poems and songs and loved going for long rides in the country. She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family, but most of all her passion was singing.
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June 26, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Ted Daniel Drahusz, 50, of Rock Hill, SC went home to our Lord on June 22, 2020. Ted was born on June 4, 1970, in McKeesport, PA to Linda and George Drahusz, Jr. Ted spent his formative years in North Huntingdon, PA attending St. Agnes grade school. As a youth, Ted cultivated a love for the outdoors and was heavily involved in the Boys Scouts, Troop 293, attaining the rank of Star Scout. Some of his fondest childhood memories were in the scouts at Cubby's cabin in the fall, and Camp Conestoga in the summers. He closed out his formative years graduating from Norwin Senior High in 1989.Ted proudly served a total of 15 years in the military. He was part of the 28th Infantry Division in the PA Army National Guard for many years before transferring to the NY Army National Guard and later onto the Army National Guard in Hickory, North Carolina. After 9/11, Ted and his division were sent to guard parts of New York City and Long Island. He ended his military career as a sergeant. During this time, Ted spent close to 20 years working for Sherwin Williams at various positions and locations. Looking for a change, Ted relocated to the South to study medical imaging equipment technology at ECPI College of Technology in Charlotte, NC. He was a Test Technician at International Medical Equipment and Service. Through all this, Ted was a devoted father who enjoyed time outdoors hiking and fishing with his children. Ted’s passion for life was evident. Ted earned a second-degree black belt in Seidokan, Okinawan martial arts. Additionally, he spent time hiking, fishing, reading, and most recently joined an ax-throwing club. Ted is survived by his two sons Brandon and George who were his pride and joy, as well as his stepdaughter Adriana Restrepo, and his stepson Jason Restrepo. In addition, he is survived by his mother Linda (Tyson) Drahusz and George Drahusz, Jr. Ted also leaves behind three brothers, George R. Drahusz (Michelle Drahusz) of Delaware, Daniel V. Drahusz (Stacey Drahusz) of Massachusetts, and Joseph J. Drahusz (Shelley Drahusz) of Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ted is also survived by the mother of his children and friend, Martha Roa. Also, Ted recently found new love and leaves behind his girlfriend, Nubia Ana Guzman. Ted will be remembered for his dedication to his children, his good-natured and easy-going spirit, great sense of humor and laugh, and his patience. He was the type of person that would do anything for you and that's what he did all of his days that we were blessed to have him.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 & 6 to 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 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment will be private. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 25, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joan Gongaware, 93, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020 at her home. She was born May 26, 1927 in North Irwin, a daughter of the late William and Laura (Peters) Lauffer. Joan was a member of Circleville United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl R. "Butch" Gongaware; brothers, Donald Lauffer and Steven Lauffer and a grandaughter, Shana.
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June 24, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna Ann Spahr, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Westmoreland Manor. She was born May 18, 1948 in Warren, PA, a daughter of the late Shirley "Ike" and Anna (Rushby) Dunkle. Prior to her retirement, Donna was a registered nurse for the former Monsour Hospital and McKeesport Hospital. She was a graduate of Ohio Valley General Nurses Training, McKees Rocks, member of St. Agnes Parish and was an avid reader. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Spahr. She is survived by her daughter, Maryah A. Spahr; sister, Sue Dunkle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A blessing service will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 24, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Elizabeth C. Gavin, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020 at The Palms Assisted Living, McKeesport. She was born July 2, 1943 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Melvin and Ruth (Hemsky) Clear. Prior to her retirement, Elizabeth was a nurse's assistant for UPMC Shadyside Hospital and was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. She was active in the Cub Scouts at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pittsburgh and enjoyed walking with her Penns Woods friends, cooking and baking, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth DeRosa; brother, Michael Clear; and sister Lorraine Diskin. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John J. Gavin Sr.; sons, William Gavin and his wife, Debbie, John J. Gavin Jr. and his wife, Eileen; daughter, Elaine Charlesworth and her husband, Bill; grandchildren, Zachary, Tyler (Dana), Samantha, Sean (Alyson), Laurel, Dominic, Ashley, Justin (Capri), Joshua (Stacie), Jacob, Abby; and eight great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 4 to 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 Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 23, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Arlene C. DeRubbo, 79, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020 at home. She was born August 13, 1940, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Pavlic) Hreha. Prior to her retirement, Arlene was a hematologist for various hospitals and Partners In Health. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish and worked in the St. Agnes School cafeteria. She enjoyed ceramics, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Hreha. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Louis A. DeRubbo; sons, Chris DeRubbo and his wife, Jacque, Jeff DeRubbo and his wife, Jina; brother, George (Deborah) Hreha; sister, Florence Celigoi; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Hreha; grandchildren, Ethan, Madison, Andrew, Riley, Dante and Dominic. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A service will take place at 7 p.m. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 22, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Myrna Gail Martin, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020 at her home. She was born August 28, 1936 in Mutual, Pa., a daughter of the late Harry and Louise (Stape) Hixson. Prior to her retirement, Myrna was a registered nurse for Monsour Hospital and a member of the First United Church of Christ, Greensburg. She enjoyed doing needlepoint and sewing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Martin; and sister, Carol Absten. She is survived by her son, Dave Martin and his wife, Amy; sister, Joyce Frye; grandchildren, Michael, Jamie, Tyler; great-grandson, Grayson; and niece, Kim (Steve) Summers.
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June 22, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia Lyall Edwards, 74, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at her home. She was born March 21, 1946 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late George and Alberta (McCabe) Lyall. Prior to her retirement, Patricia was a school teacher and a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star. She enjoyed all types of art and especially sewing, crafting and painting. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, George N. Edwards. She is survived by her sons, George L. Edwards and Dwight D. Edwards and his wife, Melissa; and grandchildren, Carlie J. and Kyle J. Edwards. Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. Interment will be private in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 21, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John G. Artman, 67, of St. Marys, Pa., passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at UPMC Shadyside. He was born July 10, 1952 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John Artman. Prior to his retirement, John was an Animal Control Supervisor for the city of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his girlfriend, Janet Seman. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 21, 2020 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Beatrice Haines (Sisson) Kersten, 75, of Larimer, died June 20, 2020 at the Grove, North Huntingdon. She was born April 3, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pa. a daughter of the late Wesley and Beatrice Barr Haines.. Beatrice was a member of the Word of Life Church in Greensburg. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as an obstetric nurse at various local hospitals. She was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, Class of 1962 and Mercy School of Nursing, Class of 1965.
She is survived by her beloved husband, William H. Kersten, daughter, Cherie (Sisson) O'Neal and her husband Robert, daughter in law, Roxanne Smith-Sisson, grandchildren, Sarah Griffith (husband Kevin), Michael O'Sullivan (Fiance' -Paige McCombie), Steven O'Sullivan, Connor McGuire, Colton, Callen, Maelyn and Cooper Sisson, 12 step grandchildren, great grandchildren Carter, Grace and Sadie Griffith, brother James Mims, and also half siblings, nieces and nephews.
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