James Elias

James Elias, 90, of New Kensington, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017 peacefully with family by his side. He was born on January 13,1927, in Arnold, to the late Michael and Bessie Saleet Elias. Jim lived and worked in the area all of his life as part of Elias Auto Body in Arnold for over 60 years.  Jim operated the family business along with his late brother George and continued to be part of the business as he proudly watched his son Jimmy eventually take over the body shop. Upon graduating from Arnold High School he entered the Army where he was soon deployed to a military base in Japan. He was a member of St. George Orthodox Church, New Kensington.

In the neighborhood he was affectionately known as Jim, Jimmy, “Hon” by his best friend and wife Janet, But the name that made him smile the most was when he would hear one of his grandchildren shout out “Hey Gido” or “Hey Gid”.

He taught his children and grandchildren the meaning of caring for family, friends and especially strangers.  He loved to dispense life advice, folksy sayings (known as Gido-isms in the family) and a couple of bucks to all the grandkids, but saved his most generous gifts for others, many times strangers, who needed a lift- doing it quietly without ever asking for anything in return. The example he set was his greatest gift to his family.

He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Janet (Hardaway) Elias of New Kensington; one son, James P. (Georgine) Elias, of New Kensington, and three daughters, Cathy (David) Firek, of Allegheny Township, Barbara (Alex) LePore of Glenshaw and Paula (James) DeLuca of New Kensington.  He is also survived by one sister, Betty Solomon, of Vandergrift and many loving nieces and nephews and other relatives.

“Gido” is proudly survived by his biggest fan club – his 8 grandchildren, Jordan Elias, Slone Elias, Alexander LePore, Gabriella LePore, Nicoletta LePore, Jenna DeLuca, Jacob Firek and Julianna Firek.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Louis "Doc" (Grace) Elias, Sam (Edith) Elias, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla, George (Norma) Elias Joseph Elias and sister, Fannie (Fred) Corey, of Anthem, Ariz.

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M., Sunday in St. George Orthodox Church, New Kensington, where a Trisgion service will be held 7:30 P.M. The Funeral service will be arranged by Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc. 1509 5^th Ave., Arnold, Pa with a Mass to be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. George Orthodox Church, with the Very Rev. Meletios Zafaran officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church Building Fund, 1150 Leishman Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068. To leave online condolences, visit: www.giunta-bertucci.com.

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