Thomas Joseph Shirley

Thomas Joseph Shirley, 61, of McGrann, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Kadima of New Wilmington.

He was born December 20, 1963, in ACMH, to Lyman and Carmella Shirley.

Tom was an altar boy at the former St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, now Christ, Prince of Peace, Ford City.  He started serving in 1978.  He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School for eight years, then attended and graduated from Ford City High School.

He was then recruited into the U.S. Navy, in Great Lakes, IL., serving from August 24, 1981 to August 23, 1985.  He was on the U.S.S. San Diego, on which he sailed to Italy, Cuba, and Egypt.  He did see action in the Atlantic where there was some conflict.

From there, he went to Arizona with a friend who helped get him a job as a baggage handler at Prospect Airport.  He worked there for about 10 years, then decided to return to his family in Ford City.  He was glad to be back to reunite with his longtime friends: Joe Yates, Clayton Croyle, Dave Hrabovsky, Terry Fennell, Drew Shedwick, and Ted and Ronald Brightmeyer, with whom he enlisted in the Navy.

He worked at Walmart for a time, then Sheetz, where he was currently employed.

He is survived by his mother, Carmella; sister, Carol Weghorst; brothers: Kenneth and Michael Shirley; nephew and nieces: Jeremy and Sara Shirley, Kirsten Morrison, Jessica Percel, and Jennifer Shirley; and great-nephews, Kane and Colt Morrison. He is also survived by his friend, Ron Patton.

His father, Lyman Shirley, preceded him in death in 2012. 

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Monday, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, where parting prayers will be offered at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., at Christ, Prince of Peace Church, with the Very Rev. Eric J. Dinga, V.F., as celebrant.  Interment will follow in Ford City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Orphans of the Storm, 11878 St. Rte. 85, Kittanning, PA 16201.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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