Irene Theresa (Gaul) Rumgay, 92, of Clymer, walked into the arms of God on Monday, January 9, 2017, in her home, in the presence of her most beloved daughters, Patty and Kathy, and grandsons Patrick and Bobby, to whom she was best friend, personal chef, and occasional laundry-room hockey goalie. She was born to Mary (Timko) Gaul, and Andrew Gaul, on May 18, 1924 in Clymer, PA.
Irene attended Clymer High School, where she graduated at the top of her class. She loved to read, as is evidenced by the hundreds of books throughout her home. Irene was a die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan, and never missed a Steelers, Pirates or Penguins game! She also enjoyed watching golf and tennis. She was an avid gardener, growing both a beautiful spring flower garden and a vegetable garden which sustained her family through many a cold winter. During WWII, Irene worked at a factory in Buffalo, NY, which produced airplanes, and years later worked at Season-All Window Factory. She was a life-long and devoted member of the Church of the Resurrection (St. Anthony’s) in Clymer, PA.
Irene was married to Laverne “Red” Rumgay for 66 years and raised four children: Lt. Col. James A., Patricia (James) Quinn of Pittsburgh, Katheryn (Richard) Bucci of Deltona, Fl, and Robert (Lesa). She has six grandchildren: Andrew Rumgay of Los Angeles, California, Melissa Bucci, Elliot Bucci of Deltona, Florida, and Nicholas (Ashley) Bucci and great grandson Grayson of Fort Dix, New Jersey, Patrick Quinn of Pittsburgh and Bobby (Sophie) Quinn of Boston, Massachusetts.
Irene was preceded in death by her two sons Bobby and Jimmy, her husband Laverne “Red,” her parents Andrew and Mary, and seven brothers and sisters, Andrew, Stephen, Albert, Joseph, William, Grace, and Mary.
Irene will be remembered as a second mother to countless nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. She was loved by the entire borough of Clymer. Her faith, love, generosity and kindness have been an inspiration to many, and she will be desperately missed. She was so important to so many, and the grace with which she lived her life is a benchmark to which saints could strive. She truly made every day a diamond for all who knew her.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mario Lemieux Foundation for Cancer Research and Care at mariolemieux.org/donation, or 412-281-3466 or to the USO at uso.org/donate.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home Inc, Clymer.Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, Clymer. Interment will follow in the Church of the Resurrections cemetery, Clymer.
