David R. ‘Shep’ Shepler – Jefferson Township

David R. “Shep” Shepler, 70, of Perryopolis, Jefferson Township, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2019, after a four-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born Nov. 5, 1948, in North Charleroi, he was the son of the late George and Mary Jane Steele Shepler. A resident of Perryopolis for the past 45 years, Mr. Shepler was a member of St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church, was a retired laborer from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport Plant and was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in the U.S. Navy. On Feb. 18, 1967, David married his high school sweetheart, Arlene and recently celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage. David was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, a wonderful father to his family, adored his granddaughters, who were the love of his life and was a very giving person who was always willing to help anyone in need. He is survived by his wife Arlene Muccioli Shepler; two sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Georgann Shepler of Perryopolis, Ryan and Jodi Shepler of Hiller; granddaughters, Miranda Shepler, Alivia Shepler; step-granddaughter, Raya Jean McDonald; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS, Family Owned and Operated, 191 Liberty St., Perryopolis, 724-736-2515. Prayers of Transfer will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home followed by funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. John The Baptist RC Church with the Rev. Robert T. Lubic as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. John The Baptist RC Cemetery. Members of St John the Baptist parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of David Shepler at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. The family would wish to extend a heartfelt thank you and deepest gratitude to Dr. Dai and staff at the Cancer Center, Uniontown and to Fayette Hospice for their loving care given to David. The Family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of David R. Shepler to Family Home Care Hospice, Uniontown. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.