James Jerome Posey – North Belle Vernon

James Jerome Posey, 83, of North Belle Vernon, son of Joseph and Anna Vaira Posey, born Aug. 18, 1936 and died on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He graduated from Donora High School in 1954 and attended Duquesne University for two years. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in November of 1959, serving in Korea for 14 months and during his three-year enlistment, worked in the Army recruiting office in Pittsburgh until February of 1965. Jim was involved in the service station business for almost 30 years starting with the Sunoco station in Donora before he was drafted and ending with owning the ARCO station in Finleyville. His trademark was a huge tire located on the property. During this time, he also ran stations in New Eagle, Glassport, Library and other locations, with the help of family. After retiring at age 54 he began walking five or six days a week, three to five miles a day; first in the Sweeney Plan and Rankin Road area of Rostraver Township and then in the North Belle Vernon area, through the Belle Vernon Cemetery and out through Washington Township. He was known by the orange or banana he carried or by the dog biscuits in his pocket, even though he had no dog, which he gave to different dogs he met on his trips. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Joanna Marie and his parents. On Sept. 14, 1963, he married Mariann Ortolona and this year celebrated 56 years of marriage. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: Angela Cieslinski, Debra (Joseph) Pfile, James Posey and Karen and Michael (Tara) Posey; his grandchildren: Tanner and Lexi Pfile; Nick and Katy Cieslinski and their father, Michael; Jacob and Morgan Posey; Jenna and Jake Posey and Carley (Christopher) Green, and their mother, Melissa. He is also survived by his sister, Bernadette (Lance) Bachetti; sisters-in-law, Lucille (Gene) Sams, Toni-Jo (Monte) Kunka, Rose Stewart; and brother-in law, Joseph (Caren) Ortolona and many loving nieces and nephews and their families. Jim leaves behind many who loved him and will miss him dearly. Funeral services and interment will be private per Jim’s request. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.