James J. Boerio

James J. Boerio, 67, of Latrobe, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a valiant three year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born November 16, 1956 in Latrobe, he was a son of the late James A. Boerio and Josephine (Kattan) Boerio.

Jim was a member of Saint Vincent Basilica Parish and growing up had been a member of Holy Family Church and attended Holy Family School. A 1974 graduate of Derry Area Senior High School, he was a multisport athlete and proud recipient of the Adam Eidemiller Award. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1978. Throughout his career, Jim had been employed as a district manager for Herman’s Sporting Goods and later he held sales management positions with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target. He had also been a racquet ball instructor. For 11 years, as his daughters went through school, Jim was a dedicated supporter of the Greater Latrobe Wildcat Marching Band and volunteered his time with the Greater Latrobe Band Parents Association. Jim loved sports, whether it be playing golf with his league or enjoying the Pittsburgh sports teams. He was particularly fond of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pitt Panthers and was a dedicated fan of Roberto Clemente. Those who knew Jim knew that he easily made friends anywhere and everywhere that he went. His greatest love was his family. He loved being a “girl dad” and was so proud of his new role as “pappy.” He cherished family vacations to Stone Harbor and time spent with those he loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, William Wallace.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Melissa (Wallace) Boerio of Latrobe; his three daughters, Erin M. Boerio, and her husband Steve Patterson, of Littleton, CO, Megan E. Ved, and her husband Dr. Ravi, of Wexford, and Jamie K. Bottger, and her husband Robert, of Clarks Summit, PA; five grandchildren, Neil, Noah, and Nevin Ved, and Bobby and Sophia Bottger; three sisters, Dr. Juliana Boerio-Goates, and her husband Dr. Steven R., of Orem, UT, Bibiana Boerio of Latrobe, and Barbara Skubick, and her husband George “Skip,” of Penn Hills; one brother, John A. Boerio, and his wife Carrie, of Columbus, OH; his mother-in-law, Melissa Wallace of Greentree; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Lori Wallace, Patricia and Jim Hetherington, and Bob and Marie Wallace; he is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his “angels” on the third floor oncology unit of AHN Hempfield, Dr. Nathan Bahary, Dr. Paul Renz, Dr. Meilin Young, and the entire MICU staff at Allegheny General Hospital, and Dr. Donald Jakubek, for all of their extraordinary care.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 PM Tuesday at the Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 PM Wednesday at St. Vincent Basilica. Everyone is asked to please go directly to church.  Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or at www.pancan.org. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.