Kevin M. Murtha

Kevin M. Murtha, 56, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Linda Murtha, and loving children, Patrick, of Irwin, and Colleen, at home. He was born in Mt. Pleasant to Marjorie Murtha and the late Daniel Murtha. He is also survived by two brothers, Mark, of Mechanicsburg, and Shawn, of Monroeville; a niece, Caitlin; and nephew, Daniel. Kevin was a member of St. Agnes Parish, North Huntingdon. Prior to retirement in 2005, he was a social studies teacher at Gateway High School, where he served as building representative for the Gateway Education Association, was head baseball coach and assistant wrestling coach. He was also a member of the N.E.A. and P.S.E.A. Kevin loved to spend time with his family, watch sports and play golf. He was everyone's favorite Irishman. He liked the following Irish blessing: "It's easy to be pleasant when life flows like a song. But the man worthwhile is the one who can smile when everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with years. And the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through the tears."There will be no public visitation and, following a blessing at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc., interment at New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, will be private. There will be a memorial service for family and friends at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME INC., Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. The family requests donations be made to the Kevin M. Murtha Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com