'Life was good' for Bradford Woods education advocate

As a man who valued the role of education in the lives of children, including his own, James Beierle led by example.

"Once my parents made their home in Bradford Woods in 1987, Dad became active with the North Allegheny School Board's Citizens Advisory Committee," said his son, Joseph Beierle of McCandless. "Dad later served as president and a director of the North Allegheny School Board."

James M. Beierle of Bradford Woods died from complications of heart problems on Saturday, April 3, 2010, in his home. He was 61.

"One of my father's proudest moments with the school board came during graduation time when he handed the high school diplomas to the graduates, which through the years included his five children," his son said.

Born and raised in the North Side, Mr. Beierle was the son of Dr. Joseph M. Beierle, a physician who practiced in the North Side, and his wife, Marie Pettay Beierle.

"Dad enjoyed his own high school years," Beierle said. "He was active with the school newspaper and in many of the academic and social activities at North Catholic."

After graduating from North Catholic High School in Troy Hill in 1966, Mr. Beierle enrolled in St. Vincent College in Unity, where he received his degree in economics.

Upon finishing college, Mr. Beierle began his career in finances, first with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, then as a banker with Federal Home Loan Bank and, prior to his retirement this year, as an employee of contractor R.A. Glancey & Sons in Gibsonia.

"Dad always said that 'life was good,' and upon his retirement, he really enjoyed spending time with his family and the family dog, Jasmine," his son said.

Mr. Beierle married Mary Ann Donnelly of McKees Rocks in 1976, after they met while working for HUD.

He was committed to the Republican Party, said his son, and was a Republican committee chairman for Bradford Woods.

"He was anxious to have everyone vote and made sure that fliers were sent out before the election," said his son.

In addition to his son, Joseph, and wife, Mary Ann, Mr. Beierle is survived by his children, Dr. Jessica Boyer of Shadyside, Jennifer Beierle of Bradford Woods, Jacqueline Beierle of Cranberry and James Beierle Jr. of Milwaukee; and a brother, John Beierle of Downingtown in Chester County.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. today in St. Alphonsus Church, Pine.

Arrangements are being handled by the Sperling Funeral Home, McCandless.