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Raymond G. Kocak

February 19, 2020 |

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

Raymond G. Kocak,82, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  He was born May 26, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Mary (Sima) Kocak.  Prior to his retirement, Ray was a state bank examiner for the Commonwealth of PA, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and a veteran of the US Army.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth A. (Vargecko) Kocak; granddaughter, Jessica Kocak; and brother, John Kocak Jr.  He is survived by his son, Raymond Kocak (Jana); daughter, Christine L. Trone and her husband, Timothy; sister-in-law, Anna Marie Kocak; grandchildren, Amber, Devon, Zack, Sammie, Marley, Tyler; and great-grandchild, Rowen.  A memorial mass will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, North Huntingdon.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster's Gift, 14459 Otis Drive, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


William "Duel' Deemer

February 17, 2020 |

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

William “Duel” Deemer, "Every Musician's Friend" age 75 of Coulter died February 15, 2020. He is survived by his wife JoEllen Oggier, one sister Anita Knox. Visitation James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon Sunday 2-7 p.m. The family requests no flowers. Please make donations to the funeral home to defray funeral expenses. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Robert L. Goehring

February 16, 2020 |

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

Robert L. Goehring, 87 of North Huntingdon passed away February 14, 2020,  He was born August 16,1932 in Washington PA, a son of the late Walter and Florence Dewey Goehring.  Prior to retirement Robert was a Mechanical Engineer for U.S. Steel.  He was a U.S. Army Veteran, a member of the NRA, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Jeannette Masonic Lodge #750 F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania.  He was a avid hunter and enjoyed fishing.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Ricky and brother Donald.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years Norma King Goehring, son Randy and his wife Mary. Grandchildren Zachary (Rebecca) and Juliene.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 6-8 P.M.  A service will be held on Thursday at 7 P.M. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Karen Leader

February 15, 2020 |

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

Karen Leader, age 69, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, February 14, 2020.  She was born November 13, 1950 in San Antonio, TX.  She is survived by her daughter, Janice Crepeau.   Services are private.  James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Kenneth Youngerman

February 13, 2020 |

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

Kenneth Youngerman, 77, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020. He was born September 26, 1942 in Pittsburgh, son of the late Milton and Dolores (Huck) Youngerman. Prior to his retirement, Ken was a self-employed insurance agent. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Ann Youngerman. He is survived by his wife, Hilda Brown Youngerman; son, Kenneth R. Youngerman; daughters, Jennifer Youngerman and Amy Martino. Arrangements are private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA

 


Eileen M. Vlasick

February 10, 2020 |

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

Eileen M. Vlasick, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed unexpectedly on Sunday, February 9, 2020.  She was born January 3, 1930 in Wyano, a daughter of the late John and Stella (Popek) Oberc.  Eileen was a founding member of St. Agnes Church, member of Christian Mothers and helped with the church bazaar.  She worked throughout the Norwin School District for 13 years  in food services and retired in 1992.  She was very active in Boy Scouts, Norwin Band Aides, AARP Chapter #3221 and enjoyed gardening, baking and loved to travel with her husband, Tom, visiting all 50 states.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas J. Vlasick; two sisters, Carol and Louise.  She was the beloved mother of two sons, Thomas Jr. and Paul; two daughters, Mary Catherine Mathis and her husband, Richard "Buddy", and Eileen A. Vlasick; grandchildren, Amy (Steve) Weyant, Steven (Brittany) Mathis; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Mathis and baby Weyant.  Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday in St. Agnes Church.  Entombment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to White Oak No Kill Animal Shelter.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Marcia A. Shaw

February 08, 2020 |

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

Marcia A. Shaw, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2020.  She was born March 22, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Hugh and Evelyn (McManus) Mitchell.  Marcia was a member of Community United Methodist Church, enjoyed Bible study and her pet Bichon Frise, Caesar, and loved being a mom and grandma.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Shaw.  She is survived by her daughters, Beverly Hall and her husband Jeff, Marlene Grasha and her husband, Steve, Sherrill Terzak; brother, Russell Mitchell and his wife, Sallie; grandchildren, Lisa (Mike) Haendler, Melissa (Zack) King, Tina (Benjamin) Bricker, Katelan (Jared) Terzak, Grant Grasha, Glenn Grasha, Jacob Terzak; and great-grandchildren, Bennie, Leah, Madelyn, Aiden and Iva.  Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11  a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Heights Activity Fund, 3522 Route 130, Irwin, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Claragail Winkelvoss Hammett

February 08, 2020 |

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

Claragail Winkelvoss Hammett, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2020.  She was born March 4, 1931 in New Castle, a daughter of the late Ralph and Sarah R. (Baird) Baker.  Claragail was a member of Norwin Alliance Church, Eastern Star and card club, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Donald Winkelvoss, second husband, Edward Hammett; granddaughter, Victoria Browne; and sister, Phoebe Nylander.  She is survived by her two sons, Gary and his wife Polly of Cranberry Township, Ralph and his wife Karen of Uniontown; daughter, Lynn Browne and her husband Mike of Greensburg; grandchildren, Erin Maurer (Scott), Matthew, Heather and Joshua Winkelvoss, and Michael Browne; great-grandchildren, Rosaline, Violet and Autumn Maurer, Riley Hall, Kyiah Levtzow; and sister, Rowena Shick. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 2 - 7 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel.  Interment  to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a hospice of your choice.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Barbara V. James

February 06, 2020 |

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

Barbara V. James, 71, of Irwin, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020.  She was born, August 20, 1948 in Bloomfield, a daughter of the late Sam and Valetta (Lampe) Martin.  Barbara enjoyed knitting and crafting.  She is survived by her son, Scott R. James; daughters, Tracy Funk, Wendy Martin (Paul Bertolina); brother, Sam; sisters, Valetta, Betsy; grandchildren, Nicole, Corey, Zachary, Kaley; two great-grandchildren, Lilia and Austin; and former husband, Cyril "Butch" James.  Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Frances M. Ekl

February 04, 2020 |

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

After a wonderful life spent with loving family and friends, Frances Ekl, 80, passed from this earth on Sunday, February 2, 2020,  to spend eternity in the loving care of the Lord in heaven.

Born Frances Mae Bugajski on April 20, 1939  to the late Frank and Alice Jean Bugajski, she lived her entire life in Western Pennsylvania. She was married to Joseph John Ekl for nearly 60 years.

Frances graduated from Norwin High School and Westmoreland County Community College. As president of the Norwin School board for many years, she led numerous valuable programs, her favorites being the set-up of Phone-a-Friend for children and the institution of the annual senior citizen dinner now run by the NHS student council. She was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church, Christian Mothers, the GMC Motorhome Club, the International Family Motorcoach Club, and the Norwin High class reunion committee. Reading and traveling were two of her many passions. Taking Polish lessons with her father to better share their heritage was enlightening for both. With friends and relatives she traveled locally, nationally and abroad. She played cards regularly with friends in various card clubs. With her husband, cousins, and close friends, she shared delight and excitement when visiting various casinos.

In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by her husband Joe (Jack) Ekl, her sister Marilyn Nagel and her brother James Bugajski.

Frances is survived by children Debra Popelas (Kenneth), Joseph Ekl (Victoria), Randy Ekl (Maxine), Robert Ekl (Donna); grandchildren Timothy Ekl (Catherine Owen), Brian Popelas, Adam Ekl, Spencer Ekl, Laura Ekl, Emily Ekl,  Keith Ekl, Justin Ekl; siblings Delores Jean Pedder, Frank Bugajski; sister-in-law Kathy Bugajski; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Visitation is scheduled Thursday, February 6th,  6 to 8 pm, Friday,  February 7th, 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at James Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon, Pa. A Mass of Christian burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Saturday, February 8th at 10 am with interment at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwin Public Library or the benefit of the senior citizen dinner.  Envelopes will be available during visitations.

 


Stella B. Bielic

February 03, 2020 |

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

Stella B. Bielic, 98, of White Oak, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020. She was born June 10, 1921 in McKeesport, daughter of the late Jan and Bertha (Szpunar) Bielic. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Maryalice Bielic, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Services are private and arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Olive Jane Swackhammer

February 03, 2020 |

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

Olive "Ollie" Jane Swackhammer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2020.  She was born May 7, 1938 to James and Viola Patterson in Pittsburgh.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Swackhammer; brothers, Donald, John, Edward, Thomas; and sisters, Dorothy Mesko and Irene Lewis.  She was the loving mother of Daniel Jr. (Barbara), Randy (Lydia), Jeffrey (Dawn), Tammy Harkovich, Keith (Debbie) Swackhammer and Tracey (John) Diroll.  She was an endearing grandmother to Steven Swackhammer, JP Diroll, Jeffrey Swackhammer, Randy Swackhammer, Michelle Mandery, Timothy Swackhammer, Eric Bittner, Matthew Swackhammer, Samantha Duran, Sarah Harkovich, Hailey McLindon, Austin Diroll, Keith and Addison Swackhammer; and brother, James Patterson.  She is survived by 16 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her beloved Sweet Pea.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 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 Westmoreland County Food Bank.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Rolf Herbert Weber

January 29, 2020 |

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

Rolf Herbert Weber, 86, of North Huntingdon, formerly of South Hills, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020. He was born May 16, 1933 in Wintersdorf, Germany, a son of the late Herbert and Dora Weber. Prior to his retirement, Rolf was an engineer for the steel industry and enjoyed hiking, camping, reading, and walking his dogs Dutch and Shadow. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Helmut Weber, Juergen Weber, Stephan Weber; daughter, Marion Weber; sisters, Elfrieda and Annalise. He is survived by his loving wife, Margot Giera Weber; sister, Annarosa; grandchildren, Christopher Weber, Catherine Weber; and nephew, Karl Heinz Goettner. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA or the Wildlife Conservation Society in memory of Rolf. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Louise Perrino

January 26, 2020 |

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

Louise Perrino, 95 of North Huntingdon died January 26, 2020 at Excela Health Westmoreland. She was born March 15, 1924 in Larimer, a daughter of the late Natale and Lena Montini Felluca. Louise was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Federal Pacific in Irwin. Louise enjoyed spending time with her great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael , three sisters, Rose Nagy, Agnes Perrino and Nora Damico. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Sensenich and her husband Dean, one grandson, Justin Sensenich (Krista) three great granddaughters, Jacey, Lily and Kiley. Visitation James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A funeral mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Interment Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Deborah “Debbie” Jean Racan

January 24, 2020 |

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

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Racan was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on September 6, 1948. She departed us on January 22, 2020.

A loving wife, mother and homemaker, Debbie was a fantastic cook and always enjoyed preparing meals for her family. She was an extremely affectionate mother and doting grandmother who was proud of both her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed oldies and had a large collection of albums that she listened to through her passing. She liked meeting new people and would never shy away from being the first to strike up a new conversation. Debbie was formerly employed by Giant Eagle of North Huntingdon.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Joseph “Joe” Racan Sr., brother Charles "Chuckie" Wolf, sister Carol Robinson, son Joseph “Joe” Racan, Jr. and his wife Julie, daughter Tina McGeorge and husband Randall "Randy". She is also survived by five grandchildren, Joseph “Joe” Racan, Adeline Racan, Lauren Racan, Blake and Gavin Mastro.

Her husband, Joe diligently cared for her in the last few years of her life and she will be missed greatly although her family knows that she is finally at peace.  A memorial service will be held on February 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. in Christ United Methodist Church, 2800 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, PA.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to www.alz.org. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com