James Paserba

James Richard Paserba 77, of Meridian passed away on March 13, 2021. Jim fought a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1944, in Butler, and was the son of the late John “Shorty” Paserba and Mary Ruth Benson-Paserba.

Jim graduated from Butler High School, and went on to work as a salesman for Penn and Industrial Supply Co. He then moved on to working for Armco Steel in 1987. He was part of the plant 2 team, and retired from the pollution control plant in 2004.

Jim was a member of the Elks Fraternal Organization, St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, East Butler Baseball Alumni Association, the East Butler Hunting and Fishing Club, the Butler Armco Retiree Association and was a devoted supporter of Butler Catholic School.

He was the husband of Mary Ann Bodesheim Paserba. They were married on June 24, 1963.

He was the proud father of three daughters: Joyce Paserba Lesser (Mike) of Butler, Marlene Paserba Protivnak (Larry) of Butler and Stacie Paserba Roxberry (Todd) of Butler.

Pap’s world revolved around his grandchildren. He would spend every minute of every day with them if he could. Many fond memories were made from countless sporting events, school functions, lazy summer days, vacations, and family celebrations filled the years.

Jim’s legacy continues to live on through his loving grandchildren: Allison Lesser Fox (Seth), Alex Protivnak, Tyler Protivnak (Jennifer), Jack Protivnak, Brad Roxberry and Ava Roxberry; and his two great-grandchildren, Parker Fox and Lilly Fox.

He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Robert Paserba (Henrietta); two sisters-in-law, Mary Neff Paserba and Gail Wieman Paserba; and a brother in-law, Charles Bodesheim (Linda); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John “Sonny” Paserba and Thomas Paserba; his sister-in-law, Doris Bodesheim Thorne; and a brother-in-law, Dr. James Thorne.

PASERBA — Family and friends of James Richard Paserba, who died Saturday, March 13, 2021, will be received from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler.

Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Due to current restrictions and mandates, all attending are required to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butler Catholic School, 515 E. Locust St. Butler, PA 16001.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.