Shirley A. “Shirlee” Kalstone

Shirley A. “Shirlee” Kalstone, age 88, of New York, New York, formerly of McKeesport, died Thursday, May 21, 2020. She was born in Pittsburgh on September 2, 1931. She is the daughter of the late James Comoroda and Irene (Russell) Coneby and the wife of the late Lawrence M. Kalstone who died on October 4, 2017.

She studied at the University of Pittsburgh. She was an internationally recognized expert on pets, and traveled worldwide in that pursuit. She was author of The Complete Poodle Clipping and Grooming: The International Reference; founder of “Intergroom” in 1981 and organizer of that international conference for 20 years. She judged grooming contests in many countries and was the author of 15 other books about dog and cat breeds and their care and grooming, including How to Housebreak your Dog in 7 Days. She was a regular contributor to pet industry periodicals. She and her husband were interested in purebred dog memorabilia, collecting rare books and art works illustrating the history of various breeds. Their unique collection of more than 100 antique dog-headed walking sticks is now part of the American Kennel Club in New York. She also loved the opera.

She will greatly be missed by her family and friends everywhere.

Shirlee is survived by her niece, Sally (Donald) Garson of New Jersey; nephews, Bernard (Cheryl) Feinman of Pittsburgh and Paul Feinman (Kala Shaffer) of Asheville, North Carolina; great nieces and great nephews, Lori (Michael) Coscia, Merritt B. (Angela) Feinman, Matthew (Kellie) Garson, Andrew (Stacy) Garson; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Temple Cemetery with Rabbi Paul Tuchman officiating. Arrangements by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services (412-678-6177). To share a memory or condolence, please visit strifflerfuneralhomes.com