Shirley Mae Antonelli
Shirley Mae Antonelli, 93, was called home by her Lord Thursday, October 27, 2022, in her home in Carmichaels.
She began her long, joyful life in 1929 in Bobtown, a daughter of John Kurilko and Margaret Galanko Kurilko. It was here, among the dance halls and social clubs of Southwestern Pennsylvania, that Shirley cultivated an early love of song as she performed alongside her brother, Bill and her father’s orchestra. It is also where she would meet the love of her life, Marion “Moe” Antonelli. Their eyes would meet across the dance floor at Jimmy’s Place and a romance was born that would culminate in their marriage August 27, 1949.
They would eventually settle in Carmichaels, where they would raise six children, Daniel, David, Marian, Margaret, Nancy, and Tom. Shirley devoted her life to caring for her family, including her mother who would join the household in the 1960s for the remainder of her life.
Shirley was a woman of devout faith and an active member of the St. Hugh’s Catholic community. She could always be counted on for meaningful, sincere prayer for anyone in need.
She could also be counted on for an array of delicious sweet and savory specialties. Shirley’s expertise in the kitchen led to requests from family and community members alike for her cookies, halupki, pastierre, and many others. She would pass her secrets down through the generations and in doing so create enduring memories of time shared in the kitchen.
Shirley and Moe had an incredible 63-year marriage before his passing in 2012. Those years were filled with travel at home and abroad, countless jitterbugs, cheering on the Steelers and Pirates, and many joyous family gatherings. The latter was most precious to Shirley. She gave all of herself to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she would lovingly refer to as her “hunnies.” Her devotion and wisdom served as a constant guiding force to each and every one of them.
Her loving presence will be missed not only by her family, but the community at large. She leaves behind her three daughters, Marian, Margaret, Nancy; her son Tom; her sons-in-law Ed, Gene, Wayne; her daughters-in-law, Marilynn, Michele; her grandchildren, Jason (Stacey), Hollie, Tiffany (Rick), Matthew, Christina, Cara, Chelsea (Jake), Danny (Bethanie) Jordan, Jade, Nick, David, Lexi, Nick; her multitude of great-grandchildren; her sister, Judy and brother-in-law Jack; and many beloved nieces and nephews. The incredible impact she had in each of their lives defined them in immeasurable ways.
Her family is comforted knowing that Shirley is now at peace and reunited with her loving husband, Moe; her sons, Daniel and David; sister, Francis; brother, Bill; beloved parents, John and Margaret; and all those who reside in the next life.
Viewings will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, in the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320. 724-966-5100. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Hugh Church, Carmichaels, with burial following at the Laurel Point Cemetery.