Dennis Edward Shiring

Dennis Edward Shiring, 75, formerly of Sarver, Kittanning, and Ford City, was called home by his Lord on July 5, 2024.

Denny, as he was known to all, is the son of the late Edward and Evelyn Shiring.  He leaves behind to celebrate his memory his wife, Marie Jurbala Shiring, and his two daughters, Taylor Alyssa (Cory) Wheeler of Butler, and Kylie Amber of Kittanning.  He also leaves behind his “main man” Jake (his favorite loyal fur baby) as well as Bianca, Luca, and his fur grand babies, Indie, Renley, Hadley, Koda, and his special girl Tinleigh (with whom he would spend warm summer evenings at 1147 Sarver Road - his favorite home - surveilling the property) In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and best friend, Richie Bosco.

Denny grew up in Ford City, where he graduated from Ford City High School as prom king and the “most popular” male in his class, and where he “screwed up” his knees as a member of the Ford City High School football team.  Following graduation, he went on to Hobart Welding School and eventually secured a position as an ironworker, performing his craft high above the streets below.  He loved this job, but in keeping with the times, and because of his stubborn nature, he refused to cut his long ponytail and left that gig.  Subsequently, Denny held many other positions with various employers, perhaps the one bringing his the most notoriety being his job as the nighttime bartender at “Don and Jack’s” in Ford City.  You knew he was there when you saw that black Ford stepside truck parked across the street.  Denny was a member of the Ford City Eagles and Falcons and was a life member of the Ford City Volunteer Fire Department, where he proudly served the community with his favorite fellow fireman, his dad.

The luckiest day of his life came when Denny and his friends, who were delivering flowers to customers for Mother’s Day, pulled into a driveway to ask for directions, and he instantly fell in love with the girl washing her Camaro - the girl who would later become his beloved wife - Marie Jurbala.  He wed the love of his life on September 4, 1993, and they went on to have two gorgeous daughters, Taylor Alyssa and Kylie Amber.  Although he said that he never wanted children, his opinion changed when he first set eyes on his babies who came the pride and joy of his life.  He was a proud dad who attended all of his girls’ sports events, and who beamed as he walked his eldest down the aisle at her perfect wedding on June 18, 2022.

Denny was an avid hunter and fisherman who found nothing more enjoyable than heading to his hunting camp for the first day of deer season with his buddies, including, Richie, Pete, and Brownie.  The first day of trout was also one of his favorite personal holidays usually spent at Dan Beuth’s camp along the water.  Denny loved sports, and he never missed seeing the games of his favorite teams - the Steelers and Penguins - which led to his collection of over 150 t-shirts.  He also loved watching war movies, crime shows, The Price is Right, and Wheel of Fortune.  And Lord help you if you so much as whispered during Jeopardy!

Following his retirement, Denny enjoyed the Sunday Mass at the Monastery where he saw “all the old guys”.  He developed a Sunday routine that included Aldi, Shop ‘n Save, Walmart, and buying lottery tickets.  This was usually followed by an afternoon of sports on television or a long telephone conversation with his good friend Jody.  Denny loved his red truck and washed it practically every other day.  Although he feigned annoyance, he loved to cut the grass at 1147 Sarver Road, and was proud of the finished product every time.

In addition to his wife and daughters, Denny is also survived by his dear brother Keith (Lenora) Shiring of South Carolina, his in-laws, Edward (Lorri) Jurbala of New York, Robert of New York, Teresa (Tim) Davis of Ford City, and Richard (Brenda) Jurbala of Florida, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many many friends.

Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 11, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  Funeral services will be private.  Denny was a big supporter of several causes, therefore, if you would like, please make a donation to the Ford City Volunteer Fire Department, the Hillman Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Light of Life Rescue Mission, or a charity of your choice.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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