Timothy J. VanKirk, 60

Mr. Timothy J. VanKirk, 60, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 as the result of a bus accident in North Sewickley Township.

Tim was born on October 19, 1958 in Ellwood City to the late James A. VanKirk and Gloria (Franus) VanKirk of North Sewickley Twp.. He had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1976. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on June 14, 1979 and served until his discharge on September 15, 1991 with the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge Pistol, and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Mechanic Component Bar. He is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and served as an usher for the church at the Saturday night masses. Tim worked as a bus driver for First Student Inc. bus company through the Riverside School District. He enjoyed working outdoors and loved wildlife especially all the local birds, squirrels, and rabbits that he fed on a daily basis.

He is survived by his wife, Christina (Greene) VanKirk whom he married on January 7, 2012, his mother, Gloria VanKirk, his sister, Diane (Eric) West of North Sewickley Twp, and his two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, James A. VanKirk, his maternal grandparents, Thomas V. and Mildred Franus, his paternal grandparents, Jess and Bessie Ann VanKirk Sr., his mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Greene, and his beloved dog, Gemma Rae.

Family and Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday at 11:00 am at the Holy Redeemer Church. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the cemetery on Thursday by noon (12:00pm) to conduct full military honors.