Dead Steelers fan viewed in recliner in front of TV

[Broncobuddy7]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The body of rabid Pittsburgh Steelers fan James Henry Smith, who died Thursday, was laid out this week in what his family said was his favorite spot -- a recliner with the Steelers on the television.

Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan ahead for the unusual viewing Tuesday night.

Mourners stood before a small stage erected in the viewing room of the Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home, on which funeral director Roland Criswell had placed furniture, much as it was arranged in Smith's home on game day.

Smith's feet were crossed; a pack of cigarettes and a six-pack of beer were at his side. A continuous loop of Steelers highlights was playing on TV nearby, as Smith was reclined with a television remote in his hand and a Steelers blanket across his legs.

The reaction of Smith's loved ones varied.

"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58, of Pittsburgh, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Wednesday's editions. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."

"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," said longtime friend Mary Jones of Wilkinsburg. "People will see him the way he was. This is just a celebration."

___

Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com

[Hogan11]

Now that was one hardcore fan.

[Kaylore]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The body of rabid Pittsburgh Steelers fan James Henry Smith, who died Thursday, was laid out this week in what his family said was his favorite spot -- a recliner with the Steelers on the television.

Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan ahead for the unusual viewing Tuesday night.

Mourners stood before a small stage erected in the viewing room of the Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home, on which funeral director Roland Criswell had placed furniture, much as it was arranged in Smith's home on game day.

Smith's feet were crossed; a pack of cigarettes and a six-pack of beer were at his side. A continuous loop of Steelers highlights was playing on TV nearby, as Smith was reclined with a television remote in his hand and a Steelers blanket across his legs.

The reaction of Smith's loved ones varied.

"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58, of Pittsburgh, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Wednesday's editions. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."

"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," said longtime friend Mary Jones of Wilkinsburg. "People will see him the way he was. This is just a celebration."

___

Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com


WOAH! I'm sorry, but that's hilarious.

[watermock]

"People will see him the way he was. This is just a celebration."

If they have nachos and coors light. I'm sorry, but the idea of having my body embalmed and displayed isn't my idea of a party. Maybe they will prop me up in front of the computer in boxer shorts.

Remind me to amend my will. I'm not interested in being propped up into boxer in front a computer showing porn. You can throw me in the dirt, but please, take my computer with me.

[watermock]

George Bush just said Humans contribute to greenhouse gasses.

Then he farted to prove his point.

[epicSocialism4tw]

That is some wierdness for sure.

I feel bad that that is all that he had to be passionate about.

[listopencil]

So what? I already picked out my predominantly orange casket with a big ol' number seven superimposed on a Denver D style Broncos logo. I'll be serving beer and nachos, by the way. Lots of jalapeno peppers. I'm still looking for that DVD of the Broncos/Packers SB to have playing in the background.

[bombquixote]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The body of rabid Pittsburgh Steelers fan James Henry Smith, who died Thursday, was laid out this week in what his family said was his favorite spot -- a recliner with the Steelers on the television.

Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan ahead for the unusual viewing Tuesday night.

Mourners stood before a small stage erected in the viewing room of the Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home, on which funeral director Roland Criswell had placed furniture, much as it was arranged in Smith's home on game day.

Smith's feet were crossed; a pack of cigarettes and a six-pack of beer were at his side. A continuous loop of Steelers highlights was playing on TV nearby, as Smith was reclined with a television remote in his hand and a Steelers blanket across his legs.

The reaction of Smith's loved ones varied.

"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58, of Pittsburgh, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Wednesday's editions. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."

"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," said longtime friend Mary Jones of Wilkinsburg. "People will see him the way he was. This is just a celebration."

___

Information from: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, http://www.post-gazette.com


these offseasons get longer and longer. i see now that one year i just won't make it through...rest in peace, james. rest in peace.

[Broncobuddy7]

Think of all the Red Socks fans who bit the dust before seeing their team win the World Series.

[orange crusher]

Poor Waffle.