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 January 9, 1944 in Butler, PA 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 company. He then moved onto 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, Saint 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 to 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 Protivank, Brad Roxberry, and Ava Roxberry. Two great grandchildren Parker Fox and Lilly Fox.
He is also survived by his brother Dr. Robert Passerba (Henrietta), two sisters-in -law Mary Neff Paserba, Gail Wieman Paserba, and a brother in-law Charles Bodesheim (Linda) and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers John “Sonny” Paserba and Thomas Paserba. A sisters-in-law Doris Bodesheim Thorne and a brother-in-law Dr. James Thorne.
Family and friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA from 1:00 to 5:00 pm Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 North McKean St. Butler, PA 16001. Entombment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butler Catholic School, 515 E. Locust St. Butler, PA 16001.
Due to current restrictions and mandates a facial covering and social distancing is required.