Elmer W. Shigo

Elmer W. Shigo, 84, of Washington Crossing, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Buckingham Valley Rehab and Nursing Center. Mr. Shigo was born Jan. 1, 1928, in Duquesne, to the late Helen and Alex Shigo. He graduated from the patternmaking shop at McKeesport Technical High School and earned a bachelor's degree in natural science from Waynesburg College. He served with the Army's 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. Iron making was in his blood. As a six-foot-four 14-year-old during the early months of World War II, "Slim" Shigo talked his way into a laborer's job at U.S. Steel to help support his parents. He returned to the steel mill after his college graduation and marriage and rose through the ranks to become the blast furnace superintendent of USX's McKeesport, Duquesne and Fairless Works. He also served as a consultant for USX International in Spain and Turkey. After his retirement, he worked as a blast furnace consultant for Altos Hornos de Mexico and other steel companies. He was a member of the East McKeesport Free and Accepted Mason's Lodge No. 765 and the Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Pittsburgh. He was also a member of the 45th Military Police Association and enjoyed their biannual meetings in Oklahoma, where he caught up with many friends and entertained them with his one-man band of guitar, harmonica and bass drum. A lifelong craftsman, Mr. Shigo especially enjoyed creating beautiful things. He spent many hours in his workshop among his tools, designing and creating treasures for his family and friends. Mr. Shigo is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ann K. Shigo. He is also survived by his children and their families: Joel and Cynthia, of Lawrence, Kan., Ilona and Dale Mifflin, of Philadelphia, Daniel James Shigo and Jonathan Baker, of New York City, N.Y., Suzanne and Rick Brown, of Newbury, Mass., and Jonathan and Wendy, of Warrington; along with nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Alex and Paul. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Washington Crossing United Methodist Church, 1895 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, where family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Hospital Foundation, 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Langhorne, PA 19047.