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Ted Daniel Drahusz

June 26, 2020 |

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

Ted Daniel Drahusz, 50, of Rock Hill, SC went home to our Lord on June 22, 2020. Ted was born on June 4, 1970, in McKeesport, PA to Linda and George Drahusz, Jr. Ted spent his formative years in North Huntingdon, PA attending St. Agnes grade school. As a youth, Ted cultivated a love for the outdoors and was heavily involved in the Boys Scouts, Troop 293, attaining the rank of Star Scout. Some of his fondest childhood memories were in the scouts at Cubby's cabin in the fall, and Camp Conestoga in the summers. He closed out his formative years graduating from Norwin Senior High in 1989.Ted proudly served a total of 15 years in the military. He was part of the 28th Infantry Division in the PA Army National Guard for many years before transferring to the NY Army National Guard and later onto the Army National Guard in Hickory, North Carolina. After 9/11, Ted and his division were sent to guard parts of New York City and Long Island.  He ended his military career as a sergeant. During this time, Ted spent close to 20 years working for Sherwin Williams at various positions and locations.  Looking for a change, Ted relocated to the South to study medical imaging equipment technology at ECPI College of Technology in Charlotte, NC. He was a Test Technician at International Medical Equipment and Service. Through all this, Ted was a devoted father who enjoyed time outdoors hiking and fishing with his children. Ted’s passion for life was evident. Ted earned a second-degree black belt in Seidokan, Okinawan martial arts. Additionally, he spent time hiking, fishing, reading, and most recently joined an ax-throwing club. Ted is survived by his two sons Brandon and George who were his pride and joy, as well as his stepdaughter Adriana Restrepo, and his stepson Jason Restrepo. In addition, he is survived by his mother Linda (Tyson) Drahusz and George Drahusz, Jr. Ted also leaves behind three brothers, George R. Drahusz (Michelle Drahusz) of Delaware, Daniel V. Drahusz (Stacey Drahusz) of Massachusetts, and Joseph J. Drahusz (Shelley Drahusz) of Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ted is also survived by the mother of his children and friend, Martha Roa. Also, Ted recently found new love and leaves behind his girlfriend, Nubia Ana Guzman. Ted will be remembered for his dedication to his children, his good-natured and easy-going spirit, great sense of humor and laugh, and his patience. He was the type of person that would do anything for you and that's what he did all of his days that we were blessed to have him.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  Interment will be private.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Joan Gongaware

June 25, 2020 |

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

Joan Gongaware, 93, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020 at her home. She was born May 26, 1927 in North Irwin, a daughter of the late William and Laura (Peters) Lauffer.  Joan was a member of Circleville United Methodist Church.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl R. "Butch" Gongaware; brothers, Donald Lauffer and Steven Lauffer and a grandaughter, Shana.

 
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Donna Ann Spahr

June 24, 2020 |

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

Donna Ann Spahr, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Westmoreland Manor.  She was born May 18, 1948 in Warren, PA, a daughter of the late Shirley "Ike" and Anna (Rushby) Dunkle.  Prior to her retirement, Donna was a registered nurse for the former Monsour Hospital and McKeesport Hospital.  She was a graduate of Ohio Valley General Nurses Training, McKees Rocks, member of St. Agnes Parish and was an avid reader.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Spahr.  She is survived by her daughter, Maryah A. Spahr; sister, Sue Dunkle and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A blessing service will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home.  Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Elizabeth C. Gavin

June 24, 2020 |

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

Elizabeth C. Gavin, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020 at The Palms Assisted Living, McKeesport.  She was born July 2, 1943 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Melvin and Ruth (Hemsky) Clear.  Prior to her retirement, Elizabeth was a nurse's assistant for UPMC Shadyside Hospital and was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  She was active in the Cub Scouts at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pittsburgh and enjoyed walking with her Penns Woods friends, cooking and baking, and loved spending time with her grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth DeRosa; brother, Michael Clear; and sister Lorraine Diskin.  She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John J. Gavin Sr.; sons, William Gavin and his wife, Debbie, John J. Gavin Jr. and his wife, Eileen; daughter, Elaine Charlesworth and her husband, Bill; grandchildren, Zachary, Tyler (Dana), Samantha, Sean (Alyson), Laurel, Dominic, Ashley, Justin (Capri), Joshua (Stacie), Jacob, Abby; and eight great-grandchildren.  Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Arlene C. DeRubbo

June 23, 2020 |

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

Arlene C. DeRubbo, 79, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020 at home.  She was born August 13, 1940, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Pavlic) Hreha.  Prior to her retirement, Arlene was a hematologist for various hospitals and Partners In Health.  She was a member of St. Agnes Parish and worked in the St. Agnes School cafeteria.  She enjoyed ceramics, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Hreha.  She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Louis A. DeRubbo; sons, Chris DeRubbo and his wife, Jacque, Jeff DeRubbo and his wife, Jina; brother, George (Deborah) Hreha; sister, Florence Celigoi; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Hreha; grandchildren, Ethan, Madison, Andrew, Riley, Dante and Dominic.  Family and friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A service will take place at 7 p.m. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Myrna Gail Martin

June 22, 2020 |

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

Myrna Gail Martin, 83, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020 at her home.  She was born August 28, 1936 in Mutual, Pa., a daughter of the late Harry and Louise (Stape) Hixson.  Prior to her retirement, Myrna was a registered nurse for Monsour Hospital and a member of the First United Church of Christ, Greensburg.  She enjoyed doing needlepoint and sewing.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Martin; and sister, Carol Absten.  She is survived by her son, Dave Martin and his wife, Amy; sister, Joyce Frye; grandchildren, Michael, Jamie, Tyler; great-grandson, Grayson; and niece, Kim (Steve) Summers.

 
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Patricia Lyall Edwards

June 22, 2020 |

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

Patricia Lyall Edwards, 74, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at her home.  She was born March 21, 1946 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late George and Alberta (McCabe) Lyall.  Prior to her retirement, Patricia was a school teacher and a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.  She enjoyed all types of art and especially sewing, crafting and painting.  In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, George N. Edwards.  She is survived by her sons, George L. Edwards and Dwight D. Edwards and his wife, Melissa; and grandchildren, Carlie J. and Kyle J. Edwards.  Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. Interment will be private in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


John G. Artman

June 21, 2020 |

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

John G. Artman, 67, of St. Marys, Pa., passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at UPMC Shadyside.  He was born July 10, 1952 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John Artman.  Prior to his retirement, John was an Animal Control Supervisor for the city of Pittsburgh.  He is survived by his girlfriend, Janet Seman.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Beatrice Haines (Sisson) Kersten

June 21, 2020 |

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

Beatrice Haines (Sisson) Kersten, 75, of Larimer, died June 20, 2020 at the Grove, North Huntingdon. She was born April 3, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pa. a daughter of the late Wesley and Beatrice Barr Haines.. Beatrice was a member of the Word of Life Church in Greensburg. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as an obstetric nurse at various local hospitals. She was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, Class of 1962 and Mercy School of Nursing, Class of 1965.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William H. Kersten, daughter, Cherie (Sisson) O'Neal and her husband Robert, daughter in law, Roxanne Smith-Sisson, grandchildren, Sarah Griffith (husband Kevin), Michael O'Sullivan (Fiance' -Paige McCombie), Steven O'Sullivan, Connor McGuire, Colton, Callen, Maelyn and Cooper Sisson, 12 step grandchildren, great grandchildren Carter, Grace and Sadie Griffith, brother James Mims, and also half siblings, nieces and nephews.

 
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Martin John Horensky

June 19, 2020 |

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

Martin John Horensky, 71, of North Huntingdon, passed away June 12, 2020 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  He was born July 24, 1948 in North Braddock, a son of the late Helen Mower Horensky.  Prior to his retirement, Martin was a bricklayer and a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour.   Martin worked hard as an excellent bricklayer, enjoyed sports especially the Steelers, loved playing poker and gin rummy.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Georgie Mowers; adopted family members, Michael and Edna Billick; and his beloved dog, Prince.  He is survived by his lifelong family members, Carolyn "Bing" Sopko who chose him for a brother, Chuck and Debbie Jones, Kevin and Jen Jones and their children Hannah and Finn, Gloria Gould and her children, David and Jennifer, canine friend Boney Jones and feline friends, Lil One and Boomer.  Close friends Joseph Suff, Nancy and Donald Simon and Guity Saleh.

 
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Dorothy M. Pfoff

June 02, 2020 |

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

Dorothy M. Pfoff, 98, of North Huntingdon,  formerly of Homestead and North Braddock, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020 at her home.  She was born March 20, 1922 in Homestead.  Dorothy was a member of St. Agnes Parish and enjoyed cooking and taking care of her pets.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Pfoff; brothers, Laverne and Albert Abels; and daughter-in-law, Rosella Pfoff.  She is survived by her sons, William Pfoff, Richard Pfoff and his wife, Lynn; daughter, Karen Milko and her husband, Robert; grandchildren, Robert (Jen) Milko, Ryan (Tara) Milko and Stephanie (John) Novotnak; and great-grandchildren, Brianna (Jesse), Lily, Max, and Owen.  Services are private.  The family would like to thank Promise Hospice for all their compassionate care they gave Dorothy.  And a very special thank you to Michelle from Transitions for her honesty to the family.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Dorothy M. Pfoff

June 01, 2020 |

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

Dorothy M. Pfoff, 98, of North Huntingdon,  formerly of Homestead and North Braddock, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020 at her home.  She was born March 20, 1922 in Homestead.  Dorothy was a member of St. Agnes Parish and enjoyed cooking and taking care of her pets.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Pfoff; brothers, Laverne and Albert Abels; and daughter-in-law, Rosella Pfoff.  She is survived by her sons, William Pfoff, Richard Pfoff; daughter, Karen Milko and her husband, Robert; grandchildren, Robert (Jen) Milko, Ryan (Tara) Milko and Stephanie (John) Novotnak; and great-grandchildren, Brianna (Jesse), Lily, Max, and Owen.  Services are private.  The family would like to thank Promise Hospice for all their compassionate care they gave Dorothy.  And a very special thank you to Michelle from Transitions for her honesty to the family.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Darlene J. Winkler

May 30, 2020 |

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

Darlene J. Winkler, 71, of Irwin, passed away Friday, May 29, 2020 at her home.  She was born March 3, 1949 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late George and Betty (Rylatt) Warren.  Prior to her retirement, Darlene was a home healthcare registered nurse and enjoyed traveling.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Donna and Marsha.   She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Ralph Winkler; son, Steve Winkler; daughters, Deann Hays, Darcy Peer and her husband, Dennis; grandchildren, Christopher, Collin, Michael, Kari, Kylee, AnnaBelle; great-granddaughter, Alexis; sisters, Gail Hart, Charlotte Kennedy and Bonnie Caldwell.  Services are private.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  Donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America in memory of Darlene.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Susan M. Sabol

May 29, 2020 |

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

Susan M. Sabol, 67, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon.  She was born May 18, 1953 in Braddock, a daughter of the late John and Pauline (Mehalik) Lesko.  Susan was a graduate of both Norwin Sr. High School and Edinboro University and was a member of St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church.  Prior to her retirement, Susan was a teacher at Stewartsville Elementary School for 30 years and touched the lives of many students.  She is  survived by her loving husband of 44 years, John Sabol Jr.;  brother, John Lesko and his wife, Christine; and sister, Janet Elias.  The family would like to thank the staff of Redstone Highlands for their care and compassion during Susan's three year stay.  Services are private.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  Memorials may be made to St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church, North Huntingdon or the Alzheimer's Association.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


James A. Luft Jr.

May 27, 2020 |

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

James A. Luft Jr., 59, of Herminie, lost his battle to cancer on May 26, 2020.  He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born March 21, 1961 in Greensburg, son of the late James and Dolores (Cook) Luft.  Jim was a graduate of Yough Senior High School Class of 1979 and was the owner operator of Luft's Auto & Truck Repairs.  Jim enjoyed motocross, fishing and his dogs, Shelby and Nova; and cats Sophie and Sneezy.  He is survived by his wife, Karen (Thompson) Luft; sons, Tyler and Travis Luft; daughter, Alexis Gasparro and her husband, Chad; brothers, Tim and Mark Luft; sisters, Cheryl (David) George and Lisa Ross.  Visitation and service are private.  Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com