James M. Barron, Sr., 88, of Monessen, passed away at UPMC McKeesport Hospital on Saturday, April 16, surrounded by his entire, loving family.  Jim was born on July 24, 1933, in Monessen, the son of the late Henry and Anna (Evanko) Barron.  He was a lifelong resident of Monessen and a graduate of Monessen High School, class of 1951.  He was a member of The Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, the American Legion, and a life member with the Monessen Volunteer Fire...

James M. Barron, Sr., 88, of Monessen, passed away at UPMC McKeesport Hospital on Saturday, April 16, surrounded by his entire, loving family.  Jim was born on July 24, 1933, in Monessen, the son of the late Henry and Anna (Evanko) Barron.  He was a lifelong resident of Monessen and a graduate of Monessen High School, class of 1951.  He was a member of The Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, the American Legion, and a life member with the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department #2, actively serving as a firefighter for 25 years.  Jim served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army.  He worked as a General Foreman in the Blooming Mill of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, retiring in 1987.  Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, making wine, gardening, cooking and playing cards with his buddies.  Jim was a strong, loving and giving husband, father and pap; referred to by his children as their “Rock.”  Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 63 years, Madeline (“Chickie” Salvino) Barron; his three children, Jim (Joanne) Barron, of Imperial, PA; Toni (Greg) Bucci, of Monessen, PA; and Deb Barron, of Monessen, PA; his grandchildren, Michael Barron, Marisa (Tyler) Barron, Megan Barron and Madison (Matt) Wisniewski; his fury best buddy, Toby; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Henry (Ruth) Barron.  Friends will be received on Wednesday April 20 from 1:00 pm. to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Robert A. Billick Funeral Home Inc. Grand Blvd & Marion Ave. Monessen.  Services will begin in the funeral home on Thursday April 21, with a blessing service at 9:30 am followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 am in Epiphany of our Lord Church 44 Pennsylvania Blvd Monessen.  Interment will follow in St. Hyacinth's cemetery. The family kindly suggest the optional use of masks and please social distance while attending the funeral services and visitation. Monessen Fireman’s services will be held at 7pm on Wednesday. Memorial contributions can be made to the Monessen Volunteer Fire Dept. #2 1601 Grand Blvd Monessen PA 15062. Online condolences can be made at billicksfuneralhome.com