James V. Garofola, 87, of Crabtree, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018, in Shadyside Hospital. He was born April 28, 1931, in Crabtree, a son of the late Pietro Angelo and Maria Sinforosa Ferruzzi Garofalo. Jimmy was a longtime member of St. Bartholomew Church and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
He also was a member of the American Legion Post 380, UAW Local 544, the former Hannastown Fireman’s Club and was a lifetime member of the Crabtree VFD. He was employed by Fisher Body, Dravosburg, retiring after 35 years in addition to bartending at Bobby Dale’s. Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed junkets to Las Vegas, Nev.
, gardening and watching sports. After retirement, he was a bartender at Rizzo’s. Family was most important to him; his grandchildren and great-granddaughters were his pride and joy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Matteo and Michael Garofola; and five sisters, Florence Natale, Lena DeMarino, Carmella Scuvotti, Mafalda Scavo and Nancy Donatico. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jane Lukatch Garofola; seven children, Vincent Garofola (Elizabeth), of Irwin, Yvonne Hayes (Charles), of Crabtree, Mark Garofola (Pam), of Cochranton, Peter Garofola (Diane), of Harrisburg, N.C., Doreen Yasenosky, of Crabtree, Joseph Garofola (Barbara), of Greensburg, and Lisa Garofola, of Crabtree; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Mortimer (Brandon), Kristin McCunn (Scott), Megan Garofola, Dr. Craig Garofola (Autumn), Chase Garofola, Dr. G. Matthew Yasenosky (Kim Sossong), Andrew Yasenosky, Alyssa Garofola and Dominic Garofola (fiancee Kristina Hamerski); four great-granddaughters, Caydence and Alivia Mortimer and Alexandra and Gabriella McCunn; a brother, Anthony “Pete” Garofola, of Crabtree; two special godsons, Tony and Dino Garofola; and numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Jimmy from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC.
, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in the St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree, with Father Justin Matro, OSB, celebrating. Everyone please go directly to the church.
Interment with full Military honors accorded by the VFW Post 33 and the American Legion Post 981 combined honor guards will follow in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Crabtree. Jim’s family has entrusted his care to the Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., Greensburg. To share your memories and photos, offer your condolences or for directions, please visit us at www.
pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.
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