James M. Diehl

James M. “Jim” Diehl, 72 from Curtisville, West Deer Township, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday December 18, 2025.  Jim was born on April 24, 1953 in Greensburg, to the late John and Geraldine (Gosser) Piazza.  Jim was a 1971 graduate from Deer Lakes High School and a 1975 graduate from Theil College.  Jim was a union boilermaker for Local 154 for 35 years until his retirement in 2009.  Jim was an avid outdoorsman and naturalist.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening as well as crossword puzzles. One of his dreams was fulfilled this past August, when his boys took him to Canada to fish, which he so loved, and did almost every year, until his health kept him from going.

He is survived by his long-time fiancé, Denise O’Connor; his children Arik Way of McCandless, Jeremy J. (Kristen) Diehl of Buffalo Township, Dylan O’Connor of Frazer Township, Amber Piper of Butler, and Sasha Piper of Creighton; his 11 grandchildren who he absolutely adored; and his many friends at the Culmerville Sportsmen’s Club.

He was preceded in death by his sister Jean Agius, his son John C. Diehl, and his daughter in-law Lyra L. Way.  

The family is eternally grateful to the doctors and nurses at The AHN Cancer Center for the exceptional care they provided to Jim throughout his cancer treatment and also wish to offer a special word of thanks to his hospice nurse Larry for the compassionate support and guidance in Jim’s final chapter.

At Jim’s request all viewing and service will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer. A celebration of Jim’s life will be announced at a later date. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com/obituary/James-Diehl

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