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Barbara V. James

February 06, 2020 |

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

Barbara V. James, 71, of Irwin, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020.  She was born, August 20, 1948 in Bloomfield, a daughter of the late Sam and Valetta (Lampe) Martin.  Barbara enjoyed knitting and crafting.  She is survived by her son, Scott R. James; daughters, Tracy Funk, Wendy Martin (Paul Bertolina); brother, Sam; sisters, Valetta, Betsy; grandchildren, Nicole, Corey, Zachary, Kaley; two great-grandchildren, Lilia and Austin; and former husband, Cyril "Butch" James.  Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Frances M. Ekl

February 04, 2020 |

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

After a wonderful life spent with loving family and friends, Frances Ekl, 80, passed from this earth on Sunday, February 2, 2020,  to spend eternity in the loving care of the Lord in heaven.

Born Frances Mae Bugajski on April 20, 1939  to the late Frank and Alice Jean Bugajski, she lived her entire life in Western Pennsylvania. She was married to Joseph John Ekl for nearly 60 years.

Frances graduated from Norwin High School and Westmoreland County Community College. As president of the Norwin School board for many years, she led numerous valuable programs, her favorites being the set-up of Phone-a-Friend for children and the institution of the annual senior citizen dinner now run by the NHS student council. She was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church, Christian Mothers, the GMC Motorhome Club, the International Family Motorcoach Club, and the Norwin High class reunion committee. Reading and traveling were two of her many passions. Taking Polish lessons with her father to better share their heritage was enlightening for both. With friends and relatives she traveled locally, nationally and abroad. She played cards regularly with friends in various card clubs. With her husband, cousins, and close friends, she shared delight and excitement when visiting various casinos.

In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by her husband Joe (Jack) Ekl, her sister Marilyn Nagel and her brother James Bugajski.

Frances is survived by children Debra Popelas (Kenneth), Joseph Ekl (Victoria), Randy Ekl (Maxine), Robert Ekl (Donna); grandchildren Timothy Ekl (Catherine Owen), Brian Popelas, Adam Ekl, Spencer Ekl, Laura Ekl, Emily Ekl,  Keith Ekl, Justin Ekl; siblings Delores Jean Pedder, Frank Bugajski; sister-in-law Kathy Bugajski; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Visitation is scheduled Thursday, February 6th,  6 to 8 pm, Friday,  February 7th, 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at James Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon, Pa. A Mass of Christian burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Saturday, February 8th at 10 am with interment at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwin Public Library or the benefit of the senior citizen dinner.  Envelopes will be available during visitations.

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Stella B. Bielic

February 03, 2020 |

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

Stella B. Bielic, 98, of White Oak, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020. She was born June 10, 1921 in McKeesport, daughter of the late Jan and Bertha (Szpunar) Bielic. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Maryalice Bielic, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Services are private and arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Olive Jane Swackhammer

February 03, 2020 |

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

Olive "Ollie" Jane Swackhammer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2020.  She was born May 7, 1938 to James and Viola Patterson in Pittsburgh.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Swackhammer; brothers, Donald, John, Edward, Thomas; and sisters, Dorothy Mesko and Irene Lewis.  She was the loving mother of Daniel Jr. (Barbara), Randy (Lydia), Jeffrey (Dawn), Tammy Harkovich, Keith (Debbie) Swackhammer and Tracey (John) Diroll.  She was an endearing grandmother to Steven Swackhammer, JP Diroll, Jeffrey Swackhammer, Randy Swackhammer, Michelle Mandery, Timothy Swackhammer, Eric Bittner, Matthew Swackhammer, Samantha Duran, Sarah Harkovich, Hailey McLindon, Austin Diroll, Keith and Addison Swackhammer; and brother, James Patterson.  She is survived by 16 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her beloved Sweet Pea.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday 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 Westmoreland County Food Bank.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Rolf Herbert Weber

January 29, 2020 |

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

Rolf Herbert Weber, 86, of North Huntingdon, formerly of South Hills, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2020. He was born May 16, 1933 in Wintersdorf, Germany, a son of the late Herbert and Dora Weber. Prior to his retirement, Rolf was an engineer for the steel industry and enjoyed hiking, camping, reading, and walking his dogs Dutch and Shadow. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Helmut Weber, Juergen Weber, Stephan Weber; daughter, Marion Weber; sisters, Elfrieda and Annalise. He is survived by his loving wife, Margot Giera Weber; sister, Annarosa; grandchildren, Christopher Weber, Catherine Weber; and nephew, Karl Heinz Goettner. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA or the Wildlife Conservation Society in memory of Rolf. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Louise Perrino

January 26, 2020 |

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

Louise Perrino, 95 of North Huntingdon died January 26, 2020 at Excela Health Westmoreland. She was born March 15, 1924 in Larimer, a daughter of the late Natale and Lena Montini Felluca. Louise was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Federal Pacific in Irwin. Louise enjoyed spending time with her great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael , three sisters, Rose Nagy, Agnes Perrino and Nora Damico. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Sensenich and her husband Dean, one grandson, Justin Sensenich (Krista) three great granddaughters, Jacey, Lily and Kiley. Visitation James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A funeral mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. Interment Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Deborah “Debbie” Jean Racan

January 24, 2020 |

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

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Racan was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on September 6, 1948. She departed us on January 22, 2020.

A loving wife, mother and homemaker, Debbie was a fantastic cook and always enjoyed preparing meals for her family. She was an extremely affectionate mother and doting grandmother who was proud of both her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed oldies and had a large collection of albums that she listened to through her passing. She liked meeting new people and would never shy away from being the first to strike up a new conversation. Debbie was formerly employed by Giant Eagle of North Huntingdon.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Joseph “Joe” Racan Sr., brother Charles "Chuckie" Wolf, sister Carol Robinson, son Joseph “Joe” Racan, Jr. and his wife Julie, daughter Tina McGeorge and husband Randall "Randy". She is also survived by five grandchildren, Joseph “Joe” Racan, Adeline Racan, Lauren Racan, Blake and Gavin Mastro.

Her husband, Joe diligently cared for her in the last few years of her life and she will be missed greatly although her family knows that she is finally at peace.  A memorial service will be held on February 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. in Christ United Methodist Church, 2800 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, PA.   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to www.alz.org. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Harry Paul Horsman

January 24, 2020 |

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

Harry Paul Horsman, 56, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2020. He was born June 24, 1963 in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Harry and Elizabeth (Uhlir) Horsman. Harry Paul was employed as a truck driver for AGX. He enjoyed hunting, riding quads with his friends, working in his garage and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Renee Maloney Horsman; son, Joshua Horsman; daughter, Marissa Horsman; and extended family. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home on Thursday, January 30 from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Patrick Joseph Carney

January 22, 2020 |

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

Patrick Joseph Carney, 58 of Greensburg passed away January 21, 2020 at his home.  He was born May 31, 1961 in Pittsburgh, son of Terrance and the late Carole Winter Carney.  Patrick was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. He was employed in the construction industry by Savasta Construction, Biloxi, Mississippi.   In addition to his father he is survived by three brothers, Terrance (Tina) Carney, John Carney and Timothy Carney and two sisters, Patricia Aikins and Christine Radziwon (James) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  Services will be private.  Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc.  Memorial Contributions may be made to The Union Mission, 2217 Harrison Avenue, Latrobe PA, 15650 or at www.theunionmission.org.

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Deborah L. Vasko

January 20, 2020 |

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

Deborah L. Vasko, age 68 of North Huntingdon died January 19, 2020 at Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital. She was born July 19, 1951 in McKeesport, Pa., a daughter of the late Joseph and Dolores Emert Senko. Deborah attended St. Stephens Church in North Huntingdon. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed crafts, jewelry making , cooking and music. She is survived by her beloved husband Daniel Vasko, two sons, Adam Vasko (Tina) and Matthew Vasko. A Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday, February 1  at 5:00 p.m. at St. Stephens Byzantine Catholic Church, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Per Debbie's wishes,please do not send flowers. Memorials in remembrance of Deborah may be made to a charity of your choice or St. Stephens Church for Divine Liturgies. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Virginia Mikula

January 19, 2020 |

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

Virginia "Jean" Mikula, 89 of North Huntingdon died January 18, 2020 at The Grove at Irwin.  She was born November 27, 1930 in McKeesport, daughter of the late John and Mary Pamaibo Yagan.  She was a member of St. Agnes Church and enjoyed playing Bingo.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Mikula Sr. in 2013; daughter, Karen Clark and her husband Ted; and sister, Mary Louise Squires.  She is survived by her son Joseph Jr.  and his wife Shelly; daughter Susan Rhodes and her husband Lenny; sister, Pat Fredley; grandchildren, Geoff, Noel, Dawn, Melissa, Tara, Joseph, Nathan and Zachary; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on  Wednesday  from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  A blessing service will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Port Vue, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Jean E. Fitzpatrick

January 19, 2020 |

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

Jean E. Fitzpatrick, age 94 of North Huntingdon died January 17, 2020 at UPMC East, Monroeville. She was born June 8, 1925 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late D.J. and Elizabeth Biddlestone Roderick. Jean enjoyed golfing, traveling, cooking, pinochle, and was a lifelong bridge player. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandchild, baby boy Fitzpatrick; great-granddaughter Chloe; sister, Doris McDonough; niece and nephews, Betsy, David and Kevin. She is survived by three sons, William (Donna), Jack (JoAnn), Tom (Kathy); five grandchildren, Scott Fitzpatrick (Tammy), Kim McGauley (Eric), Meghan Fitzpatrick (James Lynch), Erin Fitzpatrick (Jeff Dyke), Katelyn Brady (Tim); 12 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Haleigh, Aubrianna, Chase, Chyler, Grady, Brinley, Kiera, Aubrey, Samuel, William and James; nieces and nephews, K.D., Margie, Judy, John and Mike, Patty, Sue, Mark; special friends, Cecelia, Danny, Kylie Sedlock. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday 4-8 pm. with additional visitation Saturday 9 a.m. 10 a.m.  Interment to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to a pet charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 

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Thomas H. Spahr

January 19, 2020 |

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

Thomas H. Spahr, age 74 of North Huntingdon died January 18,2020 at his home. He was born May 23, 1945 in Greensburg, a son of the late Charles and Alice Herold Spahr. Tom was the store manager of Miller Feed Store in Irwin for many years. He was the past president of the Norwin Lions Club, 11th Armored Calvary Association, Norwin VFW Post 781 and a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Miller,  He is survived by his wife Donna Dunkle Spahr, one daughter Maryah Spahr,one sister Bonnie Koury, brother in law Bill Miller, sister in law, Susan Dunkle, numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia L. Tucci Pollock

January 18, 2020 |

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

Patricia L. Tucci Pollock, 59, of Irwin, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020.  She was born May 2, 1960 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Leonard and Mae (Piovesan) Tucci.  Patty enjoyed being outside doing yard work and tending to her flowers, going to the beach, playing cards and loved being with her children and grandchildren.  She is survived by her husband, Dennis Pollock; son, Zach Pollock and his wife, Courtney; daughter, Misty Pollock; sisters, Barbie (Jerry) Gibasiewicz, Suzie (Kevin) Robinson; sisters-in-law, Connie Pollock and Patricia (Jerry) Freeman; brother-in-law, Karl (Colleen) Pollock; grandchildren, Savannah, Trinity, Beau; numerous nieces and nephews; and her fur babies.  Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in West Newton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

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Sophie Andrejkanic

January 17, 2020 |

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

Sophie Andrejkanic, 93, formerly of White Oak, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2020.  She was born April 28, 1926 in White Oak, a daughter of the late George and Anna Kitz.  Sophie was a member of AARP Versailles Chapter 9211, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, and former member of the Wilmerding YMCA.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Andrejkanic; sons-in-law, John Kostik and Robert L. Brown; brother John Kitz; and sister Annette Hoffman.   She is survived by her daughters, Jane Kostik and Carol Brown; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Linderman, Carrie (John) Page, Janet Landry, Robert M. Brown; great-grandchildren, Ava, Ethan, Joshua, Jacob, Jenna, Zachary, Tyler, Robert, Michael; and great-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.