James Duncan Matheson
James Duncan “Red” Matheson, 88, of California, passed away peacefully Monday, November 26, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
He was born Sunday, February 2, 1930, in Elco, a son of the late Bess Underwood Matheson and Lawrence K. Matheson.
James was a 1948 graduate of Monessen High School. He then enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 28th Infantry Division, serving during the Korean conflict.
He was employed by the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. Allenport plant as an overhead craneman, retiring after 42 years.
In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, planting flowers with his wife, taking care of his lawn and reading his morning newspaper.
James was preceded in death by two sisters, Sara Pascotti of Elizabeth and Shirley Solvay of Prescott, Ariz., and two sons-in-law, Justin J. Kuvinka and Frank T. DeRosa.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Lillian M. Kurtz Matheson; daughters Sheryl Matheson and Edward K. Baird, Terri Kuvinka and Lori DeRosa, all of California; two granddaughters, Tara Dieteman and husband Michael of West Newton and his favorite “Buddy,” Kala Kuvinka of California; and several nieces and nephews.
Services are private and under the direction of Mariscotti Funeral Home Inc., 323 Fourth Street, California, Anthony Mariscotti, supervisor.