James L. Gapinski, 78, of 500 Mill St., Johnsonburg, died Wednesday (Jan. 16, 2019) afternoon at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, following a lengthy illness.

Born Nov. 24, 1940, in Johnsonburg, he was a son of Andrew and Pauline Marzella Gapinski. On Nov. 5, 1966, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, he married Bernadine "Bernie" Asti, who survives.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam era as an SP4 with Co. C, 1st Battalion, USAICTC, Third U.S. Army.

Surviving in addition to his wife at home are three daughters and a son, Denise (John) Shelander of Ridgway, Louanne (Dennis) McFadden of Kersey, Debbie Gatto of St. Marys and Andrew Gapinski of Berea, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Josh and Alissa Shelander, Nathan and Katie McFadden and Angelo, Sophia and Vincent Geitner and Antonio Gatto; and a sister, Joanne Bierley of Johnsonburg.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home, 401 Chestnut St., Johnsonburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Rosary Church with the Rev. David J. Wilson, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg.

Military honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg Servicemen's Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m.