April 25, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Edward Steven Vavrick, 83, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on April 24, 2026.
Born on April 3, 1943, in Daisytown, PA, Ed was the son of the late John and Josephine (Migacz) Vavrick. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, John Vavrick, Dennis Vavrick, and Nancy Vavrick Molish.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Patricia Vavrick, whom he married on August 7, 1965. He is also survived by his children, Ryan Vavrick (Kathy) and Justin Vavrick; and his cherished grandchildren, Abby Vavrick (Salim Ourari), Ava Vavrick, and Ian Vavrick.
Ed earned his Master’s Degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania and dedicated 37 years of his life to teaching English at Francis McClure Middle School in the McKeesport Area School District. He was a devoted educator who made a lasting impact on generations of students.
He was also a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
He loved spending time with his family above all else. Ed especially enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, camping, and traveling to different places across the United States. Among his favorite memories were family camping trips and visits to Disney World.
More than anything, Ed will be remembered for his voice and presence. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we had with him and the love he gave so freely.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal services. Family and friends are welcome to reach out to Patricia Vavrick directly to offer condolences. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 23, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert L. Turack, age 81 of Latrobe, passed away on April 22, 2026. He was born on December 20, 1944, in Mississippi, a son of the late Martin Turack and Edith Bonvillain Turack. Bob was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He later worked as a truck driver for various companies. Bob was a skilled mechanic, a great storyteller, and he loved to spend time with his dogs. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Kubli Turack, one son, Jesse Turack. He is survived by two sons, Jayme Turack (wife, Jessica), and Russell Turack (wife, Nikki), one daughter-in-law, Rita Popoff Turack, two sisters, Sandra Newsom and Jeannie Helterbraun, and four grandchildren, Alycia, Tristen, Jason, and Willow. There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 22, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Alan R. Ivan, age 65 of West Newton, passed away on April 17, 2026. He was born on March 9, 1961, in Jeannette, a son of the late John Ivan and Irene Horvath Ivan. Alan attended St. Edwards Parish in Herminie. He graduated from Norwin High School, Class of 1979, and went on to work as a machine assemblist for Parker Hannifin in Harrison City. Alan raced motorcycles for over 18 years, and he earned two consecutive supercross championship titles. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved to fish. Alan is survived by two brothers, Jeffrey Ivan (wife, Janet) and Chris Ivan (Beth Kutzner), one sister, Kathleen Ivan, and two nieces, Nicole Ivan and Shawna Menard. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the St. Edwards / St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 16, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Marian Szmyd, age 89 of Jeannette died April 15, 2026, at the William Penn Care Center. She was born November 13, 1936, in Jeannette, Pa, a daughter of the late Curtis and Malvina Deguffroy Crescenzo. Prior to her retirement, Marian was employed as a computer operator for the Bureau of Mining. She enjoyed the outdoors, tending to her house, and growing blueberries and raspberries. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Szmyd, son, Craig Szmyd, one sister, Vivian Covin. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren, Carly Likar (Eric), Cassie McElfish (Patrick), three great grandchildren, Lucy, Trevor and Margot Likar and daughter in law, Sandra Szmyd. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
April 15, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jacqueline "Jackie" (Frye) Rolla, age 68 of Manor, PA, died on April 14, 2026 in Greensburg. She was born on January 6, 1958, a daughter of the late William W. and Constance (Beers) Frye. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life and beloved husband, Edward L. Rolla Jr. She was a 1976 graduate of Hempfield High School. Jackie loved going to yard sales, and spending time with her family and dogs, Bella and George. She cherished the time that she spent coaching her daughters' cheerleading and softball teams. Jackie grew up and lived in Manor almost all of her life, where she enjoyed her neighbors. She is survived by two daughters, BillieJo (Rolla) Bussard and her husband Bill, of Irwin, and Jade Rolla, of Manor, one granddaughter, Kaylyn Bussard; one sister, Pam Kinzel and her husband, Denny; one sister-in-law, Beverly Myers and her significant other, Rich Serlo; and numerous additional cousins and family members. Jackie and her late husband devoted their lives to BillieJo, Jade, and Kaylyn. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Jackie's family through our website at www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 15, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Raymond B. Frye, 76 of Manor, passed away at home on April 14, 2026, after a long fight with COPD/emphysema and other illnesses. He was born December 20, 1949, in Greensburg, PA, the son of the late Dorothy and Raymond Frye. He was a 1967 graduate of Hempfield Area High School. In high school, Ray was lead singer in the band, All Luv Us, playing at many popular local places, and also being the intro for famous singers and bands. He enjoyed this until he and others in the band were drafted into the Vietnam War. He proudly served his country in the Air Force as a sergeant in the 819th Red Horse Combat Engineers Unit. After the war, he was a machinist for Westinghouse Electric, a long-haul tractor trailer driver for Helms Express, then became a Corrections Officer at the Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh until his retirement due to his health. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, riding his motorcycle, and loving his cats and dogs through the years, especially his last long-living cat companion, Daisy. He enjoyed many years of helping baby-sit grandchildren Holly, Samantha, Eric and Alex, and watching them grow up into adults. He also enjoyed driving Marlene to visit places like Branson, MO for the country music, gem mining in North Carolina and finding a 9K ruby, searching for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds in Arkansas, and visiting her sister Bunny in Florida. He was a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans, and VFW. Ray is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marlene (Krukowski/Zaucha); his sons, Kevin (Laurel), Brian (Tim), and Jimmy (Renee), step-son Garret (Lisa) Zaucha; grandchildren Eric, Alex, Autumn, Caleb, Miranda, Mason and Nathaniel (Frye), Holly and Samantha Zaucha; great granddaughter Callie Frye; sister, Donna (Corky) Betlan; Aunt Pat Whipkey; niece Traci (Jeff) Braid; nephew Jeff (Christy) Betlan; great nephews Bennette and Everett Braid; great nieces Violet Braid and Madelin Betlan; sisters-in-law Frances "Bunny" Aliskovitz and Virginia McLeod; best friend of over 40 years, Joe (Sue) White; and many other relatives, cousins and friends. We are very grateful to the nurses, aides and doctors at Forbes Regional Hospital for the incredible care they showed Ray as he was declining. He constantly thanked and loved each one of them. Toward the end, Ray was very happy and blessed to spend time with all of his family and feel their love. He will be forever grateful for that gift. He also had a wish he wanted to be known: "DON'T SMOKE! You will end up with terrible health and long suffering, not being able to breathe until the end." A celebration of Ray's life will be private, and his burial will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, the Military cemetery located in Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local American Legion, Vietnam Veterans or VFW, or your local animal shelter. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 14, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Colton Scott Austin, age 24 of North Huntingdon, passed away on April 11, 2025. He was born on February 3, 2002 in Jeannette, a son of Brian Austin and the late Pam Austin. Colton attended Norwin High School, and he went on to work in the construction industry. He was an avid outdoorsman who also loved to play sports, especially basketball, football, and hockey. In addition to his father, Colton is also survived by his grandfather, Richard Austin, his grandmother, Joelyn Austin, one sister, Sierra Austin, half-brother David Maywood, two nieces, Athena (who knew Colton as "Uncy C"), and Alivia, and many, many friends. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Colton's grandmother, Joelyn Austin 260 Colony Lane, Irwin PA, 15642, in order to assist with funeral expenses. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 13, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Connie L. Steck Schade, age 66 of Irwin, passed away on April 13, 2026. She was born June 23, 1959, a daughter of Robert and Dolores Ray Steck. Connie grew up in North Irwin, and she was a Norwin High School graduate in the class of 1977. She was employed by Health Center Hospital Service Corporation with 18 years of service. She continued her education at WCCC and later worked as a production manager for H.C.S.C Corporation of Pittsburgh. Spending two years at H.L.S.F. as a supervisor, she finished her career out at H.C.S.C Corp. She loved spending time with her granddaughters and was a very active sports fan, enjoyed running, walking and gardening. Other enjoyments were going to Florida with her parents and swimming in the gulf. She loved watching her son grow up and spending time at all his sports events. Steeler games, her animals and planting flowers were other things she cherished. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin and the Moose Lodge 236 , Irwin. She was preceded in death by the late Robert Steck in 2005 and Dolores Ray Steck in 2015 whom she loved and missed very much. She is survived by her son Matthew Paul Schade who meant the world to her, granddaughters, Paisley Hope Schade and Saige Taylor Hockman who brought so much joy and laughter. She will always love them. Also surviving is one brother, Robert, two sisters, Cheryl Ann and Barb, nephew Jason, nieces, Tammie, Terri, Tonya, Megan, and Melissa. A memorial service will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dystonia Foundation for further research on brain injuries. A special thank you to all of Connie’s doctors and therapists who have been so beneficial over the years. Also, a special thanks to all of her friends, and anyone who shared time throughout her life. God bless! Arrangements by JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 13, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jacquelyn R. Amor, age 95 of Greensburg died April 13, 2026, at Walden View, North Huntingdon. She was born December 9, 1930, in Genesco, Livingston County, New York, a daughter of the late Albert and Ruth Paddock Bell. Following high school graduation, she was one of the first mermaids at Weeki Wachee in Florida. She was a graduate of University of Florida where she attained her bachelor's degree. Prior to her retirement, Jackey was employed as an L.P.N in the state of New Jersey. She was also a caregiver for a family with quadruplets plus one. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, New Jersey and served as a Christian Endeavor advisor. Along with her former husband, square dance caller, they participated in square dancing along the entire east coast. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Delton Amor and a brother, Clifford (Nancy). She is survived by two daughters, Toyanna Miller (Stephen), Nisa Stein (Richard), 5 grandchildren, Chuck Stapleton (Jenn), Brandon Stapleton (Mary), Shaun Stapleton (Ann), Shire and Gregg Stein, 2 greatgrandchildren, Asher and Chloe, nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 10, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Melanie “Loni” Cronau, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026. Born February 3, 1935, in East McKeesport, she lived a long and full life marked by creativity, curiosity, and the traditions she proudly made her own - moving through the world in her own time, small in stature and entirely herself. She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Margareta Thalheimer; her siblings, Al (Alice) Thalheimer, Hilde (Carl) Gaffron, and ConradThalheimer; her son, Greg Cronau; and her dear Aunt Lotte Probst. Loni is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Randy; her daughter, Andrea (Rick) Mroz; her granddaughter, Amanda (Joe) Giacobbi; and her great-grandsons, Joey and Henry, as well as many nieces and nephews. Loni and Randy’s story began when they met at a friend’s wedding and grew into a lifetime of shared experiences. As founding members of the Westmoreland Ski Club, they enjoyed many ski trips, including several out west, and they also worked side by side building their company, R.C. Cronau & Associates. A graduate of East McKeesport High School, Loni also attended the University of Pittsburgh and went on to work as a real estate agent for many years. An avid gardener, Loni knew more about flowers and trees than most books could hold. She was also a talented seamstress and a proud member of a group of women who affectionately referred to themselves as “The KnitWits.” She loved animals throughout her life, especially her many cats, including Jake, who lived to be 22, and another dear cat, Julie, as well as a particularly special Cocker Spaniel, Max. She very much loved to read, and also enjoyed celebrating her German heritage through food, decorating, and music. Her life and memory will be carried forward by those whose lives she touched. Family and friends will be received from 4PM to 7PM Monday, April 13 at Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will be held the next morning, Tuesday April 14, at 11am. Memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Angels Catholic School or to an animal shelter of your choice. Her family is most grateful for all the support and care she received at Greene Health & Rehab.
April 10, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James J. Zello Jr., age 67 of Westmoreland City, passed away on April 9, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 29, 1958, in Greensburg, a son of the late James J. Zello Sr. and Charlotte Garland Zello. Jim was a member of the Grace Collective Church in Manor. Prior to his retirement in 2023, he was employed as a machinist for Mine Safety Appliance . Jim was an avid Pittsburgh Sports team fan, he enjoyed rock and roll music, and he loved classic cars. Jim was a 1976 graduate of Greensburg Salem High School, where he was a member of the marching band. He was also the first chair in the orchestra band, playing the French horn. Jim's number one hobby was being "Pappy". In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Aaliyah Bramhall. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane O'Bruba, one son, Chris Zello (wife, Tessa), two daughters, Kayleigh Bramhall (husband, John), and Samantha Zello, one sister, Linda Darazio, three grandchildren, Aubrianna, Alexander, and Adelynn, several brothers and sisters in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Saturday, April 11, from 12 to 2 PM and 5 to 7 PM. Additional viewing will take place on Sunday at 2 PM, with a service following at 3 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Bernice Smoody Visser, age 91 of North Huntingdon, passed away on April 7, 2026. She was born on May 13, 1934, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John Boyle and Beatrice Gillespie Boyle. Bernice was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a secretary for Westinghouse. In her free time, Bernice liked to bake pies, and she was an excellent cook. She loved to spend time with her dogs. In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cornelis Visser, and one grandson. She is survived by two sons, William Smoody (wife, Debra), and Robert Smoody, two daughters, Madelyn Setterberg (husband, Richard), and Christine Smoody, one stepson, Ken Visser (wife, Annette), one stepdaughter, Mary Lynn Zabelsky (husband, Greg), and five grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 10 AM to 1 PM. A funeral service will take place at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
April 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
March 30, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia Mary (Petrisko) Lenhart, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully March 30, 2026, at Independence Health System, Greensburg, PA. She was born May 30, 1935, in Acme, PA, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary Catherine (Pospisil) Petrisko. Pat was co-owner of Lenhart’s Service Center working along-side her husband Paul for 69 years. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish and enjoyed traveling with her family, sewing, quilting and baking for every occasion and holiday. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Paul Lenhart, grandson, baby boy Lenhart, sons-in-law, David L. Morton and Charles David Tromm, sister, Betty Craycraft and brother, Thomas Petrisko. She is survived by her son, Kenneth Lenhart and his wife, Anna; daughters, Cynthia Morton, Jean Tromm, Marianne Weston and her husband, Craig; grandchildren, Laura (Shane) Newhouser, Nicholas (Elyse) Lenhart, Stephanie (Patrick) Kirby, Jennifer (Pat) O’Mahony, Marissa Tromm, Daniel (Traci) Morton, Kimberly Tromm, Elizabeth (Michael) Murphy, Emily Tromm and Samuel (Kaitlyn) Weston; great-grandchildren, Luke, Cecelia and Matthias Newhouser, Ruby and Leah Kirby, Audrey and Lydia Morton, Ryland Tromm, Cian Murphy, Lynden Lenhart, Levi O’Mahony and Hallie Weston; brothers, John (Donna) Petrisko and Nicholas (Cathy) Petrisko; sister, Susan Miller (Bill) and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday April 7, 2026, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Redstone Highlands North Huntingdon, DCI Jeannette, Clergy Fr. Maurus Mount of St. Vincent Archabbey, Fr. Daniel Ulishney of St. Agnes and the doctors and nurses of Independence Health System for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness you showered on our mother and our family. Your support brought peace and comfort during a very difficult time. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 28, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Richard J. Hill, age 84 of Monroeville died March 27, 2026, at Kadima, Irwin, Pa. He was born April 17, 1941, in Libertyville, Illinois, a son of the late Milton and Beulah Hill. Richard was a member of the Garden City United Methodist Church in Monroeville and was an active spiritual leader in the Kairos and Emmaus communities. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing tennis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Bruce Hill. Throughout his lifetime, Richard worked as an attorney, was an ordained pastor and worked as a college professor. He earned his master's degree from the University of Wheaton, Illinois. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Cole-Hill, one son, Nathan Hill, three daughters, Valerie, Laurel and Pam Hill, grandchildren, Gideon, Juliana, Jack and Micah, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Services were handled by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Pa.
