December 26, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Minerva Gongaware, 94, of Poland Ohio, formerly of North Huntingdon died December 26, 2018 in Poland Ohio. She was born April 3, 1924 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late George Chalmers and Irene (Fulmer) Shoemaker. Minerva was a member of Boardman Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Gongaware in 2002; and grandson, Timothy Gongaware. She is survived by her sons, Ty Gongaware and his wife, Gail, Gary Gongaware and his wife, Wendy; brother, Ed Shoemaker; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Brush Creek Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 23, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Paul A. Najim, 85, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018. He was born October 23, 1933 in New Bedford, MA, a son of the late Mabob and Jamelle Najim. Prior to his retirement, Paul was a systems analyst for Westinghouse Bettis with 49 years of service and was a veteran of the US Army. He was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Agnes Parish, and enjoyed exercising at Anytime Fitness, target shooting at the range, playing cards and backgammon and was a lifetime learner. He was a loving, caring and generous husband and father. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Najim; and sister, Marion Curka. He is survived by his loving wife, Olga Najim; sons, David Najim and his wife, Kathy, Robert Najim; daughters, Lisa Najim and her husband, Robert Tewell Jr., Lydia Sellers and her husband, Gerald; sister, Elizabeth Najim; grandchildren, Jessica, Erica, Robert, Ezekiel, Liliana and Luke; nephew, Peter Curka and his wife, Jackie. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Wednesday from 9-9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Donations may be made to a veterans charity of your choice in memory of Paul. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 23, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Carl S. Magdic, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018. He was born November 17, 1946 in McKeesport, a son of the late Francis and Agnes (Novotnak) Magdic. Prior to his retirement, Carl was a math teacher for Wilkinsburg High School and an active member of St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church. He was a WPIAL swimming official and enjoyed fishing, model trains and Slivovitz. He is survived by his wife, Helen Yaksic Magdic; daughters, Ann Petteway, and her husband, Drew, and Mary Magdic; brother, Robert (Mae) Magdic; sister, Lori (Mark) Pollock; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Alexander. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Parastas will take place at 3 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Greensburg. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 22, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Bruce Paul, 75, of Greensburg, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018. He was born April 26, 1943 in Herminie, a son of the late Anthony and Helen (Wrobel) Paul. Prior to his retirement, Bruce had a lifetime career in education culminating in his position as the executive director of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, which provides a variety of services including those for special needs students. Bruce also presided over valet parking service at Westmoreland Country Club for over 30 years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, telling jokes, karaoke, and was an avid Duquesne Dukes basketball fan and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Horner Paul; sons, Anthony (Jessica) Paul, Jeff (Jill) Horner; daughters, Stephanie (Kirk) Campellone, Jennifer (Dan) Miller, Deborah Horner (husband, Jason Meyers); brother, David "A.C" Paul; grandchildren, Maria, Declan, Brady, Griffin and Peyton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 20, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Vivian J. Leyh Spiker, 78, of North Huntingdon, passed away, Thursday, December 20, 2018. She was born August 20, 1940, a daughter of the late James and Amelia (Gulla) Henderson. Prior to her retirement, Vivian was a caregiver and a member of The Church in Sutersville. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and cooking. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Leyh, and second husband, Thomas Spiker; and sister, Barbara. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Burk and her husband, Joseph, Melissa Crousey and her husband, Caleb, Emily Perz and her husband, Ryan; brothers, James (Diane) Henderson, David (Linda) Henderson; sister, Nora Henderson; and grandchildren, Joseph, Annaliese, Aryanna, Kaden, Preston, Elijah, Leah, Abigail and Karis. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Sutersville on Saturday, December 29 at 11 AM. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 15, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
David "Boat" Carr, 81, of McKeesport, formerly of Coulter, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018. He was born June 22, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late Clarence and MaryAnn (Fisher) Carr. Prior to his retirement, David was a security guard and a veteran of the US Air Force. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Art Carr. He is survived by his brothers, Jack Carr and his wife, Judy, Patrick Carr and his wife, Maisie, Daniel Carr and his wife, Judy; sister, MaryAnn Maiolo; and 16 nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church with Msgr. Paul Fitzmaurice officiating. Interment to follow in McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 14, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Ann Laskey, 69, of Monroeville, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018. She was born May 25, 1949, a daughter of the late David and Hannah (Gongaware) Hay. Prior to her retirement, Mary Ann was a paralegal and a former member of The Norwin Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed her pets, following Pinterest, cooking and baking. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George J. Laskey. She is survived by her daughters, Amanda and Jennifer Laskey; and brother, Roy Hay and his wife, Pam. There will be no visitation. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes in memory of Mary Ann. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 13, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Hazel M. Tomlinson, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018. She was born September 18, 1932 in Fairhope, Pa., a daughter of the late James and Edna (Emerick) Leister. Prior to her retirement, Hazel worked for the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, was a tour guide for Lincoln Coach and Myers Coach Lines and later was a pharmacy technician for Edwards Pharmacy for 27 years. She was a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, and the ladies church group, WELCA. She was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling, was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will surely be missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Tomlinson; brothers, Ernest, Jacob and Fred Leister; sisters, Mary Bell Kline and Dotty Leister. She is survived by her son, Gary Hochard (Kris); daughter, Donna Silvis (Gerald); grandchildren, Michael, Amy, Jennifer, Luke; great-grandchildren, Krista, Taylor, Jack, Sam, Jocelyn and Jaxson; sisters, Helen Tomlinson, Dolores Kline and Kay Diehl Friends and family will be received on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7139 Hyndman Road, Buffalo Mills, PA 15534. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment in the Lybarger Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice or the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Hazel. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 12, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
E. Fay Landis-Thomas Jones went home to be with her Lord on December 12, 2018. Fay was born on November 19, 1927 in Central City, Pa., to the late Harry E. and Elizabeth Landis. Fay loved the Lord and served Him at Penn Township Christian Church as pianist and Sunday School teacher for the Beginner Class. She was loved by, and preceded in death by, husbands, E. Lloyd Thomas (1959) and Harry M. Jones (2015). She is survived by her grateful daughter, Gwen Thomas Wolfgang and son-in-law, John. During Gwen's childhood Fay was a wonderful mother and later they became treasured friends. Remaining to enjoy the memories are her loving grandsons, Jonathan (Lori) Wolfgang and Mark (Nicole) Wolfgang, who brought her so much joy and pride. Although she lost her vision before her great-grandchildren, Stone, Macy, Piper, Abigail and Elise Wolfgang were born, God gave her the opportunity to hold them and she cherished the love they shared. Preceding her in death were five siblings, Ruth Gordon, Frank Landis, Louise Klages, Bernice Lenhart, and Jack Landis. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Elma Koch; brother, Jeff (Joetta) Landis; and many nieces and nephews. Family was always important to Fay. Through health issues, blindness and the ravages of aging, she held true to her faith in God. What a blessing to know that after years of vision loss, she is now able to clearly see the face of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Pa., on Friday from 2-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery. Donations can be made in Fay's name to Camp Christian, PO Box 230, Mill Run, PA 15464. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 05, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Betty Lynn Zoltak, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018. She was born June 22, 1946 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Seitz. Prior to her retirement, Betty was a Math teacher for Norwin School District and a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church, North Huntingdon. After retirement, Betty continued tutoring students and she dedicated many years sponsoring and mentoring people thru AA. She served as a deacon and elder at New Hope Presbyterian Church and enjoyed photography and fishing on the family boat. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Richard Zoltak; nephew, David Watson and his wife, Shannan; and niece Jodi Ozegovich and her husband, Gary; great nephews, Isaac, Benjamin, Joshua and Nicholas. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
December 04, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Alfrieda Joy (Steiner) Bruno 83, formerly of Upper St. Clair and Greensburg, PA entered heaven on December 2, surrounded by her family at home in Wellsville, PA. She was born May 16, 1935 in Adamsburg, PA and is the daughter of the late Vida and William Steiner. In addition to her parents, she is greeted in heaven by her loving husband John Currie Bruno, Sr. and beloved son John Bruno, Jr.
Celebrating her life are daughter and son-in-law Cheryl (Bruno) and Doug Gamber
(Wellsville, PA), cherished grandchildren Emily (Gamber) and Andrew Lambert (Newtown, PA) and John (Wellsville), sister and brother-in-law Anna Marie and Floyd Gillott (North Huntingdon, PA) and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Ann Steiner (Rome, GA), many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and family dog Lainey.
The family is especially thankful for Charleen, Connie and Sharon who provided loving care and support and enabled Alfrieda to stay at home with Cheryl and Doug for six years as the Alzheimer’s and dementia progressed.
Alfrieda was a 1953 graduate of Sewickley Township High School in Herminie, PA. She attended business school and worked as an executive secretary at Fisher Body/General Motors in West Mifflin, PA. After Cheryl was born she became a full-time homemaker and loved her role as mom and wife. She was active in Cheryl and John’s school events at Upper St. Clair High School and never missed a game or performance. She was a devoted Penn State football fan.
After moves to several states with her husband John for his job at J&L Steel, Alfrieda settled with her family in Upper St. Clair. Alfrieda and John were long-time members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair where she served on the communion committee for years faithfully baking communion bread and as a Sunday School teacher with John.
Her life was guided by her deep faith and devotion to family. She shared her love of Christ with everyone she met and served as a role model for all who knew her. Her beautiful smile brought joy and comfort to many. Her positive outlook, kind and generous spirit, attendance at countless sporting events and school activities and commitment to family and friends will long be cherished by all who knew and loved her. We know she is happy to be Home.
Family and friends will be received Friday, December 7 from 3 – 7 pm at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon; Funeral service Saturday December 8, 10 am at the funeral home. Visitation prior to the service. Intermittent Westmoreland Cemetery, Greensburg. Luncheon to follow at Banquets Unlimited, Irwin.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center at Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and mailed to University Development; Mail code A120, 90 Hope Drive; Hershey, PA 17033 (Checks should be made payable to Penn State) or to donate online visit: www.giveto.psu.edu/MelanomaCenter
December 03, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Gene E. Minerva, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, December 3, 2018. He was born October 10, 1938 in McKeesport, PA, a son of the late James and Velma (Dakin) Minerva. Prior to his retirement, Gene was a truck driver and a veteran of the US Army having served in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Guffey Club since 1977 where he served as president for 30 years, member of Frederick Franklin Masonic Lodge 14 for 45 years and Youngwood Sportsman's Club, and loved taking motorcycle trips. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Beasley; brother, Vincent James Minerva; and sister, Louella Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Raynak; sons, Jim Minerva and his wife, Elizabeth, Tim Minerva and his wife, Jill; stepson David Raynak and his wife, Saundra, Jonathan Raynak and his wife Stacey; brother, Glenn Minerva and his wife, Jean; grandchildren, Nicholas (Maureen) Minerva, Jonna (Brandon) Nedley, Isla Minerva, Camden Minerva, Matthew, Kayla and Cameron Raynak; great-grandchildren, Carson and Payton Nedley; and his beloved spaniel, Brittany. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Thursday from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 03, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Michael T. Horvath, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Harbour Senior Living of Monroeville. He was born July 8, 1929 in Lansford, Pa., a son of the late Martin and Mary (Yadvish) Horvath. Prior to his retirement, Michael was a conductor for the Union Railroad and a WWII and Korean War veteran having served as a paratrooper in the US Army. He loved to play the organ, gamble and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Julia Horvath and second wife, Antoinette Horvath; sons, Michael S. and Ronald M. Horvath; daughters, Carol Knapp and Linda J. Miller; and sister, Mary Benko. He is survived by his brother, Martin Horvath; stepson, Richard Yednak and his wife, Jeanne; step-daughter, Diane Haag and her husband, Gregory; grandchildren, James (Jennifer) Miller, John (Darci) Miller, Nicholas (Lea) Horvath, Jennifer (Tim) Davis; step grandchildren, Robin (David) Ente, Darren Haag, Kelli (Jerod) Hobbs, Travis Yednak; and six great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warriors Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.[[image
December 01, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sandra Booher Wootton, 80, of North Huntingdon passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family following a long illness. She was born on December 29, 1937 in Pitcairn, to the late Dorothy and Chester Booher. Sandra spent her life dedicated to her family and her community. In 1959 she graduated from California State Teaching College and began teaching in White Oak, then moved to the Norwin School District where she taught kindergarten and substituted for many years. She was also a Sunday school teacher and board member at Christ United Presbyterian Church and a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader. She is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years, Enoch "Woody" Wootton; her children, Jeffrey (Shery) Wootton, Sharyl Dickie (the late Robert Dickie) and Cristine (David) Dempsey; grandchildren, Greg Thomas, Scott (Stephanie) Swanson, and Chelsea Dempsey; great-grandsons, Brenden and Owen Swanson; brother, Donald (Lana) Booher; numerous nieces and nephews; and her partner-in-crime, Max (Puggle). Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. During the service, there will be a time to share memories of Sandra. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westmoreland County Food Bank. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
November 30, 2018 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jeanne M. Bunyan, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2018. She was born May 12, 1928 in Johnstown, Pa., a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary (Marshall) Wesner. Prior to her retirement, Jeanne was an RN for Kane Regional Center and a member of St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon. She enjoyed baking and loved spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Bunyan in 1990. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Interment will be private in Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Township. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon to celebrate Jeanne's life. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
