December 07, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Iona G. Diamond, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, December 6, 2019. She was born May 15, 1930 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Orie (Davis) Bowman. Iona was a member of St. Agnes Parish and AARP 3221 N. Huntingdon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Diamond; brother, Frank Bender; sisters, June Bennett and Hazel Wood. She is survived by her children, Patricia Peripanos and her husband, Gus, James Diamond and his wife, Betty, Judy Pozzuto, Richard Diamond and his wife, Chris; sister, Velma Mimnaugh; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Friends and family will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, McKeesport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 07, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Janice J. Brisbine, 83, of Greensburg, passed away Friday, December 6, 2019. She was born October 12, 1936 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Clarence D. and Dorothy (Baum) Brown. Prior to her retirement, Janice worked for S&T Bank in Irwin in the mortgage department and was a member of Norwin Church of the Nazarene and was involved with the keenagers at the Norwin Alliance Church. She enjoyed cooking, baking, especially around Christmas, crocheting baby quilts and afghans and attending church with her grandchildren. Although her mind and body failed her at the end, Janice's faith remained strong, and she is now at peace with the Lord. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence A. Brisbine; son, Clarence "Joe" Brisbine; grandson, Shawn Brisbine; brothers, Melvin D. and Paul J. Brown. She is survived by her son, Gary Brisbine (Kathy), daughter-in-law, Leslie Brisbine; grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, Chris (Alicia), Evan and Amber; great-grandchildren, Mariah, Andrianna, Luke, Avalina, Raymond, Evelyn and Gabriel; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann and Carol; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Harold's Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Hempfield township. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Norwin Church of the Nazarene. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 04, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Evelyn A. Makara, 92, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019. She was born October 31, 1927 in Homestead, a daughter of the late Andrew and Anna Horkavy. Prior to her retirement, Evelyn was a registered nurse and a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Makara; daughter, Cynthia Stevens; sisters, Lillian Dillabaugh and Irene Ingham. She is survived by her sons, Robert Makara and his wife, Elizabeth, Richard Makara and his wife, Susan, Ronald Makara and Raymond Makara; daughter, Ellen Woomer; son-in-law, Frank Stevens; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 04, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Colleen (Harkcom) Wilson, North Huntingdon Township, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, and at the time of her death was a resident of Walden's View Personal Care, Irwin. Colleen was born in Somerset, Pa., on March 17, 1937, a daughter of Dorse Harkcom and Rosalind (Walker) Harkcom. Colleen attended the Somerset Area Schools, and graduated from Somerset High School in the class of 1955. Colleen had various places of employment during her lifetime, and last worked at Thrift Drug Store where she was employed for approximately 18 years. On December 27, 1966 in Bentleyville, Pa., Colleen married Lawrence M. Wilson who passed away on March 27, 2019. Colleen and her late husband were active members of Christian Life Church in Trafford. Colleen is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws. During her last illness, Colleen was assisted by members of her congregation, her Pastors, and was helped in every sense of the word by her good friend, Cheryl Sturm. Arrangements are under the supervision of James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, and at the request of the deceased, all services are private. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John Kravetz Jr.,70, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019. He was born March 4, 1949 in Vestaburg, Pa., a son of the late John and Ruth (Kveder) Kravetz Sr. John was a 1967 graduate of Beth Center High School and was self-employed as a furniture repairman. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish and was an avid outdoorsman, and especially loved hunting, fishing and fly tying. He enjoyed flying remote control airplanes and making his own wine. John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol Matyasovsky Kravetz; sons, John Kravetz and his wife, Beth, Brian Kravetz and his wife, Erika; daughter, Cynthia Chew and her husband, Douglas, Pamela Puskar and her husband, Jonathan; sisters, Sandra Isariyawongse and her husband, Dr. Prakorb, Ruthann Davidovich and her husband, Steve, Tina Kravetz and her husband, Jeff Weber; ten grandchildren, Owen, Austin, Hailey, Noelle, Joseph, Andrew, Lucas, Tyler, Gracie and Trevor. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday in St. Agnes Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 30, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dr. David S. Bailey, 54, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, November 29, 2019. He was born November 13, 1965 in Indianapolis, IN, a son of Dr. William and Susan (Gaidosh) Bailey Sr. David was a 1983 graduate of Norwin Sr. High School and later graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic in SC and practiced in North Huntingdon. Dave was the most generous and selfless person and always put the needs of others before himself. He will be deeply missed by his family and they will live life to the fullest to make him proud. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Dunch Bailey; sons, Christopher Bailey and his wife, Ashley, Tyler Bailey and Austin Bailey; brother, Dr. William Bailey Jr. and his wife, Laurie; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon with Fr. John Moineau officiating. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 29, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Alma F. Tomko Sroka, 96, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019 in Calabash, NC. She was born October 6, 1923 in Braddock a daughter of the late Charles and Rachel (Weimer) Rothrauff. Alma was a former member of St. Agnes Parish and she enjoyed ballroom dancing and taking trips to the casinos. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sylvester Tomko and her second husband, Walter Sroka. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Tomko, Gregory Tomko and his wife, Barb; daughter, Suzanne Kelly and her husband, Mike; brother, Ronald Rothrauff; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Friends will received at a date at time to be announced at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.shiirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 27, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sally Lou Fleming, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019. She was born November 13, 1939 in White Oak, a daughter of the late Benard and Martha (Coltdz) England. Prior to her retirement, Sally was a secretary for GC Murphy Co.. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Fleming; daughter, Teri Lynn Fleming; and infant grandson, Zachary Fleming. She is survived by her son, James Fleming and his wife, Jill; grandchildren, Ian Fleming and his wife, Sarah, and Alexis Fleming; including as family are Sheri and George Chernesky and son, Tyler; and three faithful friends, Casey, Cinnamon and Lucky. Arrangements are private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 27, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Glenn J. "Bandy" Heshizer, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Excel Health Westmoreland Hospice surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 15, 1928 in Turtle Creek, a son of the late George and Margaret (Blotzer) Heshizer. Prior to his retirement, Glenn was a machinist for WABCO and later Shafton Machine. He was a veteran of the US Navy having served during the Korean war era, a member of the Linway United Presbyterian Church, N. Versailles, and past commander of the American Legion, N. Huntingdon. He enjoyed hunting and dancing, loved feeding the birds, and watching western movies. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George, Robert, Jack and Donald; sisters, Margaret, Doris, Glenna, Janie, Edith, Elizabeth and Mildred; and son-in-law, Carl Muentzer. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Gwenn Brown Klingensmith Heshizer; children, Kevin Heshizer and his wife, Diane, Gerald "Bucky" Klingensmith and partner, Cindy, David Klingensmith, Colleen Tabak and her husband, Mike, Glenda Sekerchak and her husband, Ron, Kathy Muentzer, Sandy Bante and her husband Bob, Karen Saxion, Sue Heshizer and partner, Kathy, and Glenda Sellers and her husband, Pete; sister, Evelyn Bray; sisters-in-law, Elsa Heshizer, Betty Heshizer, Jackie (Bob) Giles; grandchildren, Michael (Renee) Tabak, Melissa (James) Danko, Ronald (Kelly) Sekerchak, Jr., Vaughn (Lisa) Norbert, Brooke (Jason) Santo Colombo, Shaun (Marissa) Norbert, Vanessa Bante, Brittany (Adam) Plank, Tiffany Unger, Robert C. Bante, Samantha (Brian) Flannery, Jimmy Ray Choate, and Michael (Michelle) Choate; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. in Linway United Presbyterian Church, N. Versailles. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Linway United Presbyterian Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 26, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Margaret Gongaware, 56, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, November 25, 2019. She was born June 22, 1963 in Jeannette, a daughter of Joseph Conway and the late Patricia Murtha Conway. Prior to her retirement, Margaret was the owner and operator of Fox's Pizza Den in Jeannette and enjoyed collecting antiques and volunteering for AdoptAPet. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vaughn Gongaware. She is survived by her two sons, Josh Gongaware and his wife, Marla, and Alec Gongaware; siblings, Kathleen Sabo and her husband, Francis, Mary Ann Ross and her husband, Kevin, Ellen Morgado and her husband, Armando, Joseph Conway and his wife, Linda, Kevin Conway and his wife, Christine, and Patrick Conway. Family and friends will gather from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AdoptAPet.com in memory of Margaret. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 23, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Elizabeth R. Karlovich passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2019. She was born on November 24, 1923, to the late John and Mary (Zaborney) Kowalewski. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. Karlovich; brother Leonard, and sisters, Florence and Dolores. She is survived by her daughter Denise Pochan and her husband Michael; grandchildren, Michael and Melissa Pochan, and her brother Edward. "Busha” was a marvelous baker for all the weddings and showers and baptisms in her large family. She was also a gifted seamstress and beautiful singer. Her greatest love was reserved for her daughter and grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. She was feisty, and stubborn and made us all laugh with her outspoken ways. Her greatest gift to her family, however, was to show us her remarkable inner strength and courage in the face of many losses and illnesses over the years. She demonstrated to all who knew her how to face adversity and not just survive, but go on with purpose and determination. She passed a day before her 96th birthday, which we are sure she wanted to celebrate in heaven with her husband and family who had gone before her. Family and friends will be received from 5 to 8 PM on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Pomen will be held at 7 PM in the funeral home. A funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 901 Hartman Street, McKeesport, PA. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. Www. Shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 23, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
George J. Tomasic, Jr., 58, of North Huntingdon, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 at UPMC Mercy surrounded by his loving family and friends. George, who was known to most as Jim, was the beloved husband of Joan L. Baird Tomasic, and the father of Brandon J. Tomasic and his wife, Marissa and Megan J. Tomasic, whom he became a best friend, rock and supporter to. Born March 4, 1961 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late George J. Tomasic, Sr. and Margaret Pavlisko Tomasic. He and Joan were married 30 years, meeting first as friends who rode bikes together, living four houses down in their North Versailles neighborhood. His family was his whole world and he would do anything for them. He was a skilled mechanic and if he didn’t know how to do something on a car or around the house he would learn. Over the years he restored and fixed several cars with his son, his pride being his 1964 Riviera. He was always willing to help people with their car problems, spending hours teaching his son new techniques at the garage they rented together. Around the house he was always working on something, redoing the basement on his own or building his kids a treehouse while they grew up. There was never a dull weekend growing up, with trips to the Science Center, museums and to Disney World, Nashville and to Indianapolis for the Indy 500. There was no one who enjoyed life as much as Jim, making the most out of each day. No matter what anybody needed or what they told him he was there for help and support. He became friends with almost anyone he came in contact with, and enjoyed joking around and debating about politics with his daughter. He filled any room with his personality when he walked in. Prior to his retirement he was a bus driver for Port Authority. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Edwin Straley. Jim is survived by his sisters, Rose Mary Straley, Marlene Tomasic, Carol Hensler (Keith) and Margaret Kolin (Dennis), ; nieces Jennifer Ray, Sara Ray, Christine Straley, Jessica Hensler and Chelsea Charlesworth; nephews Dennis Kolin, Shawn Dixon and Andrew Charlesworth; sisters-in-law Janie Charlesworth (Don) and Sue Dixon and brother-in-law Jim Baird (Laurie), niece Lisa Baird (Patrick) and nephew Brian Baird (Lisa). Friends will be received Monday, Nov. 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, Irwin. A memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 308 2nd St, Irwin. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Association or the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome@gmail.com
November 22, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary "Betty" Duffy, age 82 of Irwin, passed away on Thursday, November 21 at St. Anne Home, Greensburg. daughter of the late Leo and Elizabeth Ryan Meininger. Betty was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin. In addition to her parents Mary was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 2013. She is survived by her son Robert Duffy ( Carol), 2 daughters, Janet Lewandowski (Bruce), Maureen Murphy (Roger) 8 grandchildren, Jennie Shulikov (Paul) and Ryan Loutsenhizer (Kirsten), Lauren, Robert and Aiden Duffy, Shannon, Kristen and Melissa Murphy; 2 great-grandchildren, Jayden and Amelia and a brother James Meininger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at Immaculate Conception Church Monday at 9:30 a.m. with Father Roniel Duenas officiating. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH Interment will follow in Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Braddock, PA. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Heartland Hospice and St. Anne Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heartland Hospice, Irwin, PA. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
November 18, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Andrew A. Zborovsky Sr., 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, November 18, 2019. He was born August 21, 1943 in Braddock, son of the late Andrew and Katherine Zborovsky. Prior to his retirement, Andrew was a draftsman for Centerline Engineering and was a member of the Masons, Plum Creek Temple. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. In addition to his parents, Andrew was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Jean (Marquis) Zborovsky. He is survived by his two sons, Andrew A. Zborovsky Jr. (Mary), Alden Zborvosky; and his daughter, Cheryl Kuznicki and her husband, Stanley. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday 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 Westmorelandconservancy.com. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 15, 2019 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John Eugene Jadlocki, 70, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019. He was born January 24, 1949 in Braddock, a son of the late Joseph Frances and Anna (Kovacik) Jadlocki. Gene was a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School and later received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Lock Haven University. Prior to his retirement, Gene was a teacher for Allegheny I.U. and was a veteran of the US Navy having served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the VFW Post 781 and the honor guard. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was selfless in his support of others. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Smarra Jadlocki; sons, John Jadlocki and his wife, Stacia, Jeff Jadlocki and his wife, Hayley, Josh Jadlocki and his wife, Michelle; brothers, Ron (Becky), Joseph (Judi), Jerry (Debbie), Dave (Deb) Jadlocki; sister, JoAnn (Stan) Isenberg; and four grandchildren, Zachary, Lucas, Ellie and Alexander. There will be no public visitation and the service is private. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. Donations may be made to www.fisherhouse.org in memory of Gene. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.