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Jonathan Shirey Obituary
Jon was born in Butler on Oct. 31, 1970, the son of Virginia R. Shirey and the late Dr. Donald L. Shirey. He is survived by his wife, Casey; children, Corey, Jacob and Sydney Shirey; sisters, Gina Shirey (Mateo Britez) and JoAnna Kozlina (Michael Kozlina); and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Freeport Senior High School in 1989, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball and track. He went on to graduate from Duquesne University in 1993, where he played football and was a ZBT fraternity brother. Jon was employed at ADM as a big data architect in the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
Jon led an active life, serving his community through refereeing youth football and basketball. He also unwaveringly supported his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, despite living in Cincinnati "Bungles" territory, as well keeping up with the goings-on in his hometown by listening to the weekly Pittsburgh Dad episodes. We like to believe that he is playing pinochle again in heaven with his Dad and Uncle Stick and rocking out on his bass guitar to Rebellion music once more.
There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 678 Sarver Road, Sarver. Family and friends of Jon are invited to attend.
Memorial shirts for the Little Miami High School and Middle School football teams have been purchased by the family to be worn in spring practice and during the fall 2026 football season. Additional donations may be made to Virginia Shirey for a group donation to the Freeport Senior High School Athletic Department or you may donate directly to an organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Shirey
5 Entries
Ed Miller
March 22, 2026
In Remembrance of Jon Shirey
From the moment we met at Great American Life Insurance Company in 1993, Jon Shirey made it impossible not to love him. He was one of the funniest people I have ever known - quick-witted, sharp, and genuinely joyful in a way that drew people to him instantly. He became like a little brother to me, and that bond never wavered through the years, long after we both moved on from where we first met. Through every season of life, Jon remained a constant - someone you could count on for a great lunch, a great laugh, and the kind of honest, easy friendship that is truly rare. Our time together was always filled with laughter, our sarcasm and wit bouncing off one another in a way that only the closest of friends can share. And yes - he was a devoted Steelers fan, and I a proud Bengals fan - yet that beloved rivalry never once cast a shadow over what we had. If anything, it gave us more reason to smile, showing up to every meeting dressed in our respective colors, ready to give each other grief and love in equal measure.
Jon and I also shared something deeper - years of thoughtful, spirited conversation about faith. For fifteen years I gently tried to bring him into the Catholic fold, and for fifteen years he held his ground with the same good humor and conviction he brought to everything in life. We disagreed, we debated, and we laughed - and through it all, our friendship only grew stronger. That is the measure of the man he was. My heart aches for his family and all who loved him, and I carry that grief with gratitude for every moment we shared. Jon will remain in my daily Rosaries and prayers, always. May the Blessed Virgin Mary hold him tenderly beneath Her mantle, and may you rest in the peace you so deserve, my dear friend. Pax Christi. Ed & Jenny Miller, Cincinnati Ohio
Shawn Cramer
March 13, 2026
I graduated with Jon. Great athlete even nicer person. Good dude.
Shawn M and Family.
March 13, 2026
Mrs. Shirey - I was a former student in the 90s. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I pray God's love and your family wrap you in comfort during this time.
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Kevin Roenigk
March 13, 2026
Jon was the nicest guy I have ever met. He was like a brother to me. I will miss him. The world lost a good person.
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