James R. Anthony, 9, of Lower Burrell, a little angel called home to God,  died Monday, March 28, 2016, in UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he spent the last 3-1/2 months of his short life. He was born May, 27, 2006, in Kittanning, son of Lance E. and Jessi M. (Senko) Anthony and lived in Lower Burrell all of his life. James was a member of Puckety Presbyterian Church in Lower Burrell. He was a student in Mrs. Faybik’s 4th grade class at Stewart School in Lower Burrell, where he was on the Principal’s Honor Roll. James was an energetic, enthusiastic and loving boy with a big heart. He loved music and enjoyed playing video games on his Ipad. His favorite vacation spot was the beach at Topsail Island, NC, a place where he could run in the sand and play in the waves as they came crashing to shore. He also enjoyed boating, camping and going to Pirate’s games with his Dad. He got to come home only once during his 3-1/2 month stay in the hospital and that was a special visit to see his Yorki-Maltipoo dog, Lincoln, whom he missed dearly. During his stay in the hospital, James set up an “Official Nurse Friend List” and the nurses had to work very hard to make the honor of being on his list. His sisters Jessica and Courtney said he was the bravest and strongest boy they knew, who faced his illness like a gentle giant. He never grew out of hugs and kisses, especially for his Mom. James was preceded in death by his grandmother, Patricia D. Anthony on August 31, 2010, and his uncles, Jim Davis and Richard Davis. Besides his loving parents, James is survived by his brothers and sisters, Brandon Anthony of Lower Burrell; Jessica Anthony of Leechburg; Jonathon “Jonny” Senko of Lower Burrell; and Courtney Anthony of Lower Burrell; grandmother, Rhea Senko of Leechburg; grandfather, Leroy “Bud” Anthony of Lower Burrell; grandfather John R. Senko (companion Renee McElwain) of Leechburg; great grandmother, Mary Louise Senko of Patton, PA; 7 nieces and nephews and extended family who loved him dearly. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 12 until time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday in the FRANK F. GIGLER FUNERAL HOME, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. Everyone is invited to the funeral service to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with Pastor Harold M. Mele Jr. officiating. Burial is private. The family extends a sincere thank you to all of the nurses, doctors and staff on 9B and PICU at Children’s Hospital, for their love, compassion and dedication for James. www.giglerfuneralhome.com

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