January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Eirik Bendiksen, age 73 of North Huntingdon died January 6, 2026, at Brookdale in Murrysville. He was born March 1, 1952, in Moskenes, Norway, a son of the late John and Thorb Jorg Bendiksen. Prior to his retirement, Eirik was employed by J.C. Penny in sales. He enjoyed playing guitar, carpentry, computers and folk music. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine A. Bendiksen, one brother, Einar Bendiksen (Sandra), and one sister Gerd Correll (Jack). He is survived by one son, Allan Rose Jr. (Stacy), three daughters, Margie Jurich (John), Mindy Stevenson (Ted), Cindy DiNunzio (Robert), one sister Wenche Griffith (Robert). He was loved by his grandchildren, Julie (Brad), Chris, Heather, Matthew (Jess), Alexis, Nicholas, Laura and Emily. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on January 17, 2026, from 10-11 AM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ViaQuest Hospice Foundation 525 Metro Place, North Dublin, Ohio, 43017
January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Glenn David Gilmore, age 75 of North Huntingdon died January 6, 2026, at his home. He was born February 4, 1950, in Allegheny County, a son of Peter Frederick Jordon and Ada Metz Gilmore. Prior to his retirement, Glenn was employed as a Correction Officer for Westmoreland County. He was a member of the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsman's Club where he enjoyed target shooting. Glenn was among the first graduating class of South Allegheny High School. He was also a member of the Polish Club of Westmoreland City and proud of his Irish Heritage. One of the fondest memories his family has of him is playing Santa Clause at Christmas. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene Olenik Gilmore, brother and sister-in-law, two sisters, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and family pets. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna L. Whitehead, age 93 of North Huntingdon, passed away on January 5, 2026. She was born on February 22, 1932, in Ardara, a daughter of the late Harry Redinger and Lucinda Confer Redinger. Prior to her retirement, Donna was employed as a district manager for Avon Cosmetics. In her free time, she looked forward to reading books and working on crossword puzzles. Donna was a worldwide traveler, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren in Myrtle Beach. In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Whitehead, and one son, Scott "Dean" Whitehead. She is survived by two sons, Wesley Whitehead (wife Mary Etta), David Whitehead (wife Valerie), one daughter-in-law, Mary, one sister, Beth, four grandchildren, David (wife Leah), Wendy (husband Craig), Jonathan (wife Melissa), and Nathan (wife Jennifer), and four great-grandchildren, Ava Grace, Bennett, Lilly, and Bella. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM. A funeral service will take place at 12 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
(nee McCullough) passed into the presence of her Lord Monday, January 5, 2026. She was born April 8, 1931, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Alex and Ruth (Brady) McCullough. She married William Seale, Sr., May 8, 1951. During her sixty-five years of marriage to her beloved husband, they had four children. Son, William Allen, Jr. (wife Mary); daughter Karen Lynn Mizener (husband Philip); son Daniel Robert; and son Timothy Joel (wife Sherry). Jean is survived by ten grandchildren: Beth (husband Mark) Haigh; William (wife Nancy) Seale, III; and Rachel (husband Orencio) Partida; Scott (wife Cara) Mizener; Sam (wife Denise) Mizener; Sean (wife Rachel) Mizener; Sarah Mizener; Kristal (husband Ray) Wilhelm; Holly (husband Joel) Hawley; and Kim (husband John) Miller. And she is survived by thirty-three (another on the way!) great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by one brother, Samuel Alexander McCullough (wife Kay) of Naples, Florida.
Jean trusted Christ as her Savior on February 16, 1948. Like many of her peers, she had heard the Gospel all her life, knew her spiritual need and wanted someday to be saved. She didn’t understand the truth that she needed to be saved “NOW”! When she understood the urgency of her need, she desperately wanted to know that her sins were forgiven! With her mother sitting with her on her bed and with an open Bible, she recounted to her the story of the Ethiopian man in his chariot and the evangelist, Philip, who had been sent by God to bring him the Gospel. The man was reading from Isaiah 53 where he would have read verse 5; “He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brings peace was on Him, and with His stripes, he was healed.” Lifting up her arms in joy, she said, “I’ve got it! I see it now!” She discovered that the Lord Jesus had suffered and died for HER sins. She was baptized as a believer April 24 of the same year and from the late 1950’s was a member of a fellowship of believers that met in the Friendship Avenue Gospel Hall and later, the McKeesport Gospel Hall.
Her priorities in life were her family and the things of God. She loved her family and she prayed with her husband for each one every day. She would tell her children, “I pray for you every day!” and she did. Her prayers will be greatly missed. She loved those around her as well, caring for their spiritual needs, and so she sponsored Bible studies in her home for ladies in the neighborhood. She was a Sunday School teacher of teen girls for many years. She loved the Word of God and was happy to talk about the Scriptures. She loved to hear the Gospel preached and was always interested in campaigns where the Word was going out.
Jean loved doing crossword puzzles and did them daily until the very end.
Visitation and services will be held Thursday, January 8, at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, Irwin, PA. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM. The funeral service follows at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at the Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park, 14679 U.S. Rte. 30, Irwin, PA, for the immediate family only. A luncheon at Antonelli’s in Irwin will be served following the cemetery service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lord’s servants (local & abroad) and the Lord’s work through organizations such as Truth & Tidings Gospel Trust (truthandtidings.com).
January 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sara (Sally) Miller Strait, age 90, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on January 5, 2026 at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon. She was born on February 6, 1935, in McKeesport, PA, a daughter of the late James and Olive Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Robert Strait, and grandson, Taylor Robert Strait. Sally is survived by sons, Scott and wife Diane Del Signore, Kenneth and wife Kimberly McKown Strait, Steve and wife Anna, David and wife Doretta, by her daughter Sara Mayo and husband Richard, and by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Braxton, Lena, Owen, Will, and Jettson. Sally was a 1953 graduate of East McKeesport High School and attended Thiel College, class of 1957. She was a member of Brush Creek Lutheran Church, where she served as treasurer for 25 years, Handbell Choir Director for over 30 years and assistant organist. She was a former piano teacher and quilting instructor, and a world traveler of seven continents and 85 countries. There will be no visitation. A memorial service to celebrate Sally’s life will be held on Friday, February 27 at 11AM at Brush Creek Lutheran Church with The Reverend Roger L. Steiner presiding. Memorial donations may be given to Brush Creek Lutheran Church, 177 Brush Creek Rd, Irwin, PA 15642. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 03, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Deborah V. Sellitto, age 73 of Irwin, passed away on January 2, 2026 at her home. She was born on November 5, 1952 in Monroeville, a daughter of the late Albert Povanda and Ruth Fisher Povanda. Deborah was a graduate of Gateway High School in the class of 1970, and she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Penn State University. She went on to fulfill a career as the owner of an insurance business. Deborah lived a life devoted to her family, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her grandson. Deborah is survived by her beloved husband, William J. Sellitto, one son, Scott Sellitto, one sister, Ava Makosky (husband Leo), one grandson, Jackson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Wednesday from 4 PM to 7 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 02, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
M. Raymond Hill, age 79 of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026 at his home on the farm while surrounded by his family. He was born on September 19, 1946 in McKeesport, a son of the late Merrell Hill and Mary Hochard Hill. Ray was a devoted member of Christian Life Church in Trafford. He was a graduate of Norwin High School in the Class of 1964, and earned his Master's Degree in Engineering after attending both the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. Ray fulfilled a lifetime career as an engineer at Elliott Company. He was one of the founders of FS-Elliott, where he also served as the vice president. His work ethic was renowned and he was well respected among his fellow engineers and coworkers. In his free time, Ray was often found working around his house and farm. He had a passion for airplanes and was an all-around animal lover, especially his dogs. He travelled the world for work and made many friends along the way. Most of all, Ray lived a life centered around his family and faith. He always maintained a foundation in Christ and was eager to spread the message of Jesus. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Hill. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly A. Hill, son, Tim Hill (wife Cathey), Kimberly's son, Joshua Silvis (wife Jessica), sister, Carol Jane Mills (husband Robert), six grandchildren, Ryan Hill (wife Jillian), Lauren Pozzuto (husband Chris), Emma Hill, Gabi Cassa, Brooks Silvis, and Chase Silvis, three great-grandchildren, Leo, Austin, and Carson, two nephews, Rick Mills (wife Robin) and Rob Mills, and one niece, Kelly Gray (husband Peter). Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Tuesday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 11 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Ray's name to Christian Life Church in Trafford. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 01, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
William Henry Kersten Jr., 85, of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on December 31, 2025. He was born on April 14, 1940, the son of the late William H. Kersten Sr. and Esther Emma Martz Kersten in Delmont, Pennsylvania. William, known to many as Bill/ Willie, retired from Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh after many years of service. Following his retirement, he continued working for Siemens in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later for GMS in East Pittsburgh. He was a member of Word of Life Church in Greensburg. Bill had a quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed two cookies and a coffee to start his day, visits to the library, reading books on his porch while awaiting Meals on Wheels, a daily trip to visit friends at the post office, working on challenging 3-D puzzles, and spending time tinkering with his tractor. He had a special fondness for his cat, Henry, and treasured most the laughter and company of his family when they stopped by to see him. He is survived by his sisters, Royetta Shick (Donald) and Margaret “Peg” Kovalchuck (Fred); his five children, Anita Massimini (Joseph), Emmalee Tusco (Alex), Cherie O’Neal (Robert), Ray Kersten, and Royetta Rowe (Doug); 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Taylor Kersten; his second wife, Beatrice Haines Kersten; his son, Edward Sisson; his grandson, Michael O’Sullivan; and his nephew, Dale Waugaman. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A service will be held Monday in the funeral home chapel at 11 AM with Pastor Harvey Thurston officiating. Interment will follow at Brush Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Norwin Meals on Wheels, an organization that Bill appreciated.
December 25, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Frances Marion Caputo, age 93 of Greensburg, formerly of North Huntingdon pass away on December 24, 2025, at the Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Greensburg. She was born on December 10, 1932, in Turtle Creek, a beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Minnie Palmer Sage. Frances was the devoted wife of 66 plus years to Louis P. Caputo, who preceded her in death in July 2022. Frances was a loving and devoted mother to her children, Laurin Ann Colner (Greg) and James Louis Caputo, and a proud grandmother to Matthew Gregory Colner and Elizabeth Ann Colner. She lived a life defined by deep love for her family, resilience, and quiet strength, and she will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all who knew her. Interment will be private at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc., 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 18, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Darlene A. Kondor, age 88 of North Huntingdon, passed away on December 18, 2025 at Greene Health and Rehab Center in Greensburg. She was born on May 20, 1937 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Janis. Darlene was the owner of the Yarn Corral retail shop on Route 30. In her free time, she liked to knit, crochet, and sew. Darlene was known as an excellent baker. She also enjoyed making arts and crafts, which she entered in the Westmoreland County Fair and won many ribbons. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by one brother, Royce Janis, one daughter, Holly Kondor, and one grandson, Tyler Johnson. She is survived by her beloved husband, Eugene A. Kondor, two daughters, Melanie Keenan (husband James), and Amber Johnson (husband John), one sister, Pam Masula, three grandchildren, Courtney Shaffer, Christopher Keenan (wife Christine), and Zachary Johnson (wife Kirsten), and two great-grandchildren, Sydney and Liam. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday from 11 AM to 1 PM with a funeral service to follow at 1 PM. Interment will be private in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Darlene's name to the Dementia Society of America. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 12, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sherry A. DiCristofaro, age 63 of North Huntingdon, passed away on December 10, 2025. She was born on March 22, 1962 in East Pittsburgh, a daughter of John Payne and Mary Lou Witkowski Payne. Sherry was a graduate of Norwin High School in the class of 1980, and also a graduate of the R.S. Hair Care Institute. She went on to fulfill a career as the owner of the Norwin Barber Shop. Sherry always enjoyed her trips to the casino, and she was a social butterfly who valued the time spent with her friends. She liked to play the piano and had an appreciation for many types of music, especially oldies. She was a talented artist and loved to paint, draw, and color. Most of all, Sherry cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She knew how to make each one feel special. In addition to her parents, Sherry is survived by her beloved husband, Robert DiCristofaro, three sons, Michael Lubinsky, Mark Lubinsky, and Rob DiCristofaro, three daughters, Natalie Skiba (husband Kevin), Mia DiCristofaro, and Julie Willman (husband John), one brother, John Payne (wife Linda), two sisters, Tracy Pastor and Jody Churchfield (husband Raun), and four grandchildren, Ethan, Colton, R.J., and Sonny. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 2 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services on Monday will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Sherry's name to either the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Serena Onofrey, age 95, of North Huntingdon passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Serena was born on August 29, 1930, in West Mifflin, PA and graduated from Duquesne High School. She studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and became an accomplished Opera singer performing in the Chicago Opera Company and the Pittsburgh Opera Company. She was a devout member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon where she was a member of Christian Mothers and the Choir, which the parishioners enjoyed. Serena had a special devotion to St. Therese, The Little Flower, and was a member of the Secular Carmelites of Latrobe. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, of 65 years. They were an example of lasting love, holding hands throughout their beautiful marriage. Her parents and brother were Michael, Helen and Eugene Svirbely. Serena is survived by her son Robert Onofrey and his wife, Laurie of McKinney, Texas; daughter Karen Dvorsky of Jeannette; daughter Gail Karanovich and her husband Kurt of Greensburg; son, Roy Onofrey and his wife Leslye of Washington, PA. She also has 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Serena found great joy in spending time in her yard attending to her beautiful plants and flowers. We'd like to thank Redstone Highlands Memory Care Staff and Hospice for their dedication and hard work. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter 3544 N. Progress Ave, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638 or to Carmel of the Assumption 5206 Center Drive Latrobe, PA 15650. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Please go directly to the church. Interment to follow in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Virginia S. Wilson, age 75 of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Westmoreland City, passed away on December 1, 2025 at Redstone Highlands in Greensburg. She was born on September 4, 1950 in McClellandtown, PA, a daughter of the late Carl and Arnetta (Dick) Shaffer. Virginia was a member of the Norwin Alliance Church where she served as the church organist, pianist, and Sunday school teacher. She was an avid reader and writer, and she enjoyed crossword puzzles. She also had an international collection of elephants. Prior to her retirement, Virginia was employed as a CNA by Redstone Highlands. She was preceded in death by her son, Merle Jason Wilson, a daughter, Sarah Villinger, and her brother, David Shaffer (wife Carol). She is survived by her beloved husband, Merle Wilson, three daughters, Elizabeth Lorince (husband Christopher), Rachel Wilson and Karen Lake (husband Ricky), son-in-law, Jamie Villinger, a niece, Linda Flournoy, and 10 grandchildren, Madalein Lorince, Grace Lorince, Paige Lorince, Ariel Lake, Savannah Lake, Sadie Lake, Riley Villinger, Alyssa Villinger, Elena Villinger, and Asher Villinger. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2 PM to 8 PM. Additional visitation will take place at 10 AM on Monday at Norwin Alliance Church, 10585 Farview Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642, followed by a service at 11 AM. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Virginia's name to the Norwin Alliance Church or Samaritan’s Purse. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Michael K. Ireland, age 59 of Ardara, passed away on December 1, 2025. He was born on November 1, 1966 in Braddock, a son of the late John Ireland and Eileen Kelly Ireland. Michael was a graduate of Norwin High School in the class of 1985. He belonged to St. Jude the Apostle Church in Wilmerding, and he was an Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 298. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Corrections Officer at the Allegheny County Prison. Michael was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and target shoot. He enjoyed bonfires with friends and family, and he was always able to fix things that were broken. In his free time, Michael looked forward to watching football games, especially the Steelers. He loved Mopar cars, and took pride in his 1969 Charger and 2023 Challenger. He was also known for his robust knowledge of history. Michael is survived by two brothers, his twin John Ireland (wife Pam), and Christopher Ireland, and one sister, Laura Marchand (husband Patrick). He had numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and was known affectionately by many as simply "Uncle Mike". Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Thursday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM, and Friday from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral Mass will take place in St. Jude the Apostle Church, 405 Westinghouse Ave, Wilmerding, PA 15148, on Saturday at 10 AM. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Michael's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), or the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dale H. Carnahan Jr., 69, of Irwin, PA passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025 while surrounded by loved ones. Dale was born in McKeesport, PA on July 30, 1956 and is the son of the late Harriet (Worrall) George and Dale Carnahan Sr. Dale graduated from Norwin High School and spent most of his life in sales, working hard to provide for his family. Dale was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, his love of football (unless the Steelers were losing), his love of (and frustration with) golf, his signature round glasses, tucked in shirt and Levi’s, a love of almost all music, his favorite hangout at “Drew’s,” and a healthy obsession with mowing the lawn. Dale is also preceded in death by his stepfather Bernard George, and mother- and father-in-law Joyce and Robert Sarver. Dale is survived by his wife of 30 years, Beth, his three children Ashley Downey (Jeff), Haley Carnahan and Dylan Carnahan, sister Toni Shipers, brother Chris Carnahan (Kelly), stepmother Arlene Carnahan, stepsiblings Lori Smith and Bernie George Jr., granddaughters Emma and Grace Downey, nieces and nephews Brianna and Corey Carnahan and Jeff Worrall (Tawsha), aunts and uncles Bea Lithgow, Pat Carnahan, Harold Worrall, and Gary Carnahan (Audrey), best friends “Duff and Mikie,” and many more beloved family members and friends. A celebration of Dale’s life and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, December 4, at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, where family and friends are invited to gather. A sharing of family memories will follow at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those wishing to honor Dale’s memory do so by enjoying a round of golf, catching a game with friends, and spending time with loved ones. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
