John A. Jocko Piper; 73; of Monessen; died Friday; Dec. 2; 2005; at his residence. He was born Oct. 11; 1932; in Monessen; a son of the late Russel E. Piper and Mary Katherine Brodigan Piper. He graduated from Monessen High School with the class of 1950 and then served his country faithfully with the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a radioman. Following an honorable discharge; Mr. Piper went to work at Corning Glass and went on to work as a railroad engineer for Southwestern Railroad and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. He was a member of the Croatian Home and was a regular patron of Kopko’s Grille; both in Monessen. Surviving is a son; John R. Piper; of the state of California; a daughter; MariBeth Paglia and husband Christopher; of Monessen; and Charles P. Piper; of Monessen; two grandchildren; Jordan Elizabeth Paglia; of Uniontown and Roman Gabriel Paglia; of Monessen; three brothers; Charles E. Piper; of Monessen; and James W. and Joseph T. Piper; both of Florida; one sister-in-law; Dolores Piper; of Monessen; numerous nieces; nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death was his wife; Theresa Marie Rullo Piper; and one sister and brother; Mary Elizabeth and Russel W. Piper. Friends will be received at the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC.; 1209 Grand Blvd.; Monessen; a Golden Rule Funeral Home; on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Martha E. Jones Nesti Homa; 89; of Perryopolis; passed away Saturday; Dec. 3; 2005. She was born Dec. 8; 1915; in Fellsburg (Rostraver Township); the daughter of the late Ecce and Sara Douglass Jones. Martha taught in the Frazier School District as an elementary and junior high teacher until her retirement in 1970. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. Paul (Joyce) Staub; of Uniontown; Ronald Nesti and wife Linda; of the state of Colorado; E. Richard Nesti and wife Susan; of Perryopolis; and Mrs. Ben (Diane) Hodge of Vanderbilt; a daughter-in-law; Eileen Nesti; of North Carolina; 14 grandchildren: Kevin; Melanie Staub; Shelly DelPinto; Shanda Dittmar; Roger; Kenneth; Brian Nesti; Carmen Sharp; Tony; Michael Nesti; Ingrid Baker; Carol Nesti; and Danny and Steven Hodge; and 19 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her first husband; Emil Nesti; her second husband; George Homa; and a son; Roger Nesti. Friends will be received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME INC.; 106 East Independence St.; Perryopolis; on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.; and Wednesday; Dec. 7; until 1 p.m.; the hour of service with the Rev. Karen L. Willis officiating and the Rev. Mike Sheppard co-officiating. Interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers; contributions may be made to: Little Redstone Presbyterian Church; c/o Susan Nesti; 210 Perry Road; Perryopolis; Pa. 15473.

Miriam Deborah Fields; 51; of Belle Vernon; answered the call of the angel of death on Dec. 1; 2005. Debbie; as she was known to her family and friends; was born on Dec. 19; 1953; in Library; the youngest daughter of the late Mary A. and John T. Jackson. She was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Library. She graduated from Peabody High School; Pittsburgh in 1972. Over the years; Debbie worked at various jobs; most recently being employed by Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services Inc. On Nov. 3; 2005; Debbie celebrated 33 years of marriage to her loving husband; Ronald Fields. Along with her husband; she is survived by a daughter; Carla S. Fields of Dallas; Texas; a son; Ronald Fields Jr. of Pittsburgh; one grandson; Sean D. Wallace of Dallas; Texas; five sisters; Jeanette Hollis of Clairton; Betty Ann Clemons (Robert) of McDonald; Shirley Jackson of Cleveland; Ohio; Doris Shearer (Jesse) of Wilkinsburg and Brenda Woods of East Liberty; two brothers; John Jackson (Diane) of Silver Spring; Md. and Joseph Jackson of East Liberty; and a host of nieces; nephews; in-laws; and friends who will miss her dearly. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by two brothers; Edward W. Jackson and James S. Jackson. Friends will be received Sunday; Dec. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.; and Monday; Dec. 5; from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Antioch Baptist Church; Henry Street; Belle Vernon. There will also be visitation at 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at the church; followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Carl Denson officiating. Interment will be in the Belle Vernon Cemetery. The BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME; Monessen; is in charge of arrangements.
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Private services and burial were held Saturday in Belle Vernon Cemetery for Charles E. Trenk; 71; of Belle Vernon; who died Thursday; Dec. 1; 2005; in his home. A son of the late Paul and Elizabeth Kovatch Trenk; he was born in Belle Vernon on March 13; 1934. Mr. Trenk had attended Marion Presbyterian Church and retired after 30 years of service from the Elizabeth-Forward School District where he taught chemistry. Survivors include two brothers and sisters-in-law; Joseph and Mary Vera Trenk; William Trenk; and Diane Trenk; all of Belle Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by a brother; George A. Trenk; in 2003. Arrangements were handled by the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net (724-929-5300); a Golden Rule Member Firm; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon.

The Rev. Kenneth Kinik; 63; of Norvelt; died Wednesday; Nov. 30; 2005; at Excela Health Westmoreland Regional Hospital; Greensburg. Born June 27; 1942; in Charleroi; he was the son of the late Gaber D. Kinik and Elizabeth Jessie Tallerico Kinik; formerly of Belle Vernon. Mr. Kinik was a resident of Norvelt for the past 10 years; having previously resided in Belle Vernon; served as pastor of the Norvelt Union Church for the past 17 years and was a member and past president; secretary and chaplain of the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his mother; he is survived by his wife; Doris White Kinik; to whom he was married 37 years; three sisters-in-law; Nancy Kinik; of Belle Vernon; Nancy Hill and husband; Howard; of Belle Vernon; Elma Martinosky and husband; Martin; of Belle Vernon; three brothers-in-law; Ellis White and wife; Darla; of Charleroi; Robert White; of Seattle; Wash.; and Thomas White and wife; Kathy; of Madison; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a great-great-niece. He is preceded in death by his brother; Robert A. Kinik Sr. Visitation will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon; 724-929-6183. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Pastor Robert Benson; of Burnt Cabin Bible Church; officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department will conduct services at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. For those unable to attend; online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home’s web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.

Mary Louise Majors; 55; of Monessen; went to be with the Lord on Monday; Nov. 28; 2005; in Mon Valley Hospital. She was born Sept. 28; 1950; in Monessen; a daughter of the late Leroy and Thelma Majors. She was a graduate of Monessen High School. She leaves to cherish her memory six children; Christopher and Ernest Majors; both of Harrisburg; Robert Majors; of New Jersey; Rondell Majors; of Greensburg; Mia Majors; of South Carolina; and Elizabeth Majors; of Monessen; seven sisters; Cora Lawson; Beverly Towler; Martha Jackson; Cheryl Majors; Hilda Majors and Ida Ellis; all of Monessen; and Alice Majors; of Norristown; three brothers; Ronald Smith and wife Jamie; Thomas Majors and Percy Majors; all of Monessen; one uncle; Herbert Smith; of Monessen; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; a devoted friend; Lloyd Diggs; and a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by one brother and sister; Daniel Smith and Elizabeth Ann Majors. Family and friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Newness of Life Church; 475 McKee Ave.; Monessen. Funeral services will be held in the church on Friday; Dec. 2; at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ricardo Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME INC.; 608 Sixth St.; Monessen.

George Sam Malaga; 82; of Belle Vernon (Rostraver Township); died Tuesday; Nov. 29; 2005; at 5:23 a.m. in Mon Valley Care Center; Carroll Township. Born April 5; 1923; in Belle Vernon; he was a son of the late Andrew and Eva Malaga. A life-long resident of Belle Vernon; Mr. Malaga was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Belle Vernon and the Belle Vernon American Legion Post 659. He was a retired carpenter from the Local Carpenters Union and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife; Sara Flora Malaga; to whom he was married 60 years; a son and daughter-in-law; George and Cynthia Malaga; of Belle Vernon; a daughter; Patti Youngerman; of Jeannette; a brother; John Malaga; of Greensburg; five sisters; Nell Valdiserri; of Belle Vernon; and Mary Clifford; Katie Brady; Ann Thomas and Helen Costella; all of Arizona; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by five brothers; Mack; Andrew; Steve; Nick and Joe Malaga. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). A Prayer Service will be held Thursday; Dec. 1; at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home; followed by a Funeral Mass at noon in St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Charles P. Esposito; parochial vicar; as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of George Sam Malaga on Wednesday at 3 p.m.; and Belle Vernon American Legion Post 659 will conduct services Wednesday at 7 p.m.; both in the funeral home. For those unable to attend; online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home’s web site; http://www.parzynskifuneralhome.com/

John S. Rip Shylock; 90; of Stockdale; died Wednesday; Nov. 23; 2005; in Mon Valley Hospital Inc. after a six-month illness. He was born May 4; 1915; in New Jersey; a son of the late Frank and Mary Shylock. He was a life member of the Roscoe Slovak Club and a member of the Allenport Rod and Gun Club and Roscoe American Legion Post 801. Mr. Shylock spent his entire life in restaurant service. Locally; he worked for the Coal Baron in Uniontown; Mon Valley Country Club; Holiday Inn; and Lower Level. While residing in Washington; D.C.; Mr. Shylock was employed in Hogatis Spectacular Seaford Restaurant and; for 13 years; he and his wife Katherine owned and operated Rip and Kay’s Wheeler Restaurant Inc. in Washington; D.C. Just a few of their famous clientele included the FBI and Naval Research Lab employees; Andrews Air Force Base residents; and the Washington Redskins owners and players. Rip was nationally and internationally known as a chef; captain and maitre d’ throughout England; Switzerland and France; where he instructed French chefs and waiters how to properly prepare and serve American food. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; Katherine Manos Shylock; of Stockdale: a son; William Rip Shylock of Dallas; Texas; two grandchildren; John and Tanya Shylock; and one great-granddaughter; Hannah Michelle Shylock; one brother; Joseph Shylock; of Carmichaels; two sisters; Ann and Kay; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by a son; Nicholas T. Shylock; on Aug. 14; 2001; and two sisters; Rose and Nellie. Family will receive friends in the ED MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES INC.; Roscoe; on Sunday; Nov. 27; from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.; at which time a funeral service will be held with the Rev. Fr. Igor Soroka of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church officiating. The funeral home will be open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Private interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Private services were held for Antonio Tony Vitale; 87; of Monongahela (Carroll Township); formerly of Monessen; who passed away at his home on Wednesday; Nov. 23; 2005. Tony was born Dec. 15; 1917; in Charleroi; a son of the late Antonio and Raffaela Petrone Vitale. He was a U.S. Army veteran; having served during World War II. After the war; he returned to work and retired in 1980 from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel after 44 years of service. He was affectionately known to his family; as well as many friends; as Uncle Tony . He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Monessen. Tony is survived by his son; Kevin Vitale; of Monongahela; his daughter; Lisa Vitale Beck and husband Robert J.; of Bethel Park; his sister; Ida Molle and husband Emile; of Monessen; his sister-in-law; Vera Vitale; of Florida; three nieces; Mary Ann Zatteli; Emily Wood and Judith Vitale; two nephews; Anthony and James Vitale; and several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife; Louise Deleo Vitale; and his brother; Gerald T. Vitale. The Rev. David J. Nazimek; pastor of Epiphany of Our Lord Church; conducted a prayer service and final blessing. The L.M. FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC.; 427 West Main St.; Monongahela; was in charge of the arrangements.

Beverly Ann Lancaster Mitchell; 72; of Rostraver Township (Gibsonton); died Tuesday; Nov. 22; 2005; at Life Care; Pittsburgh. Born Dec. 26; 1932; in Gibsonton; she was a daughter of the late Thomas Joseph and Winnifred M. James Lancaster. A resident of Gibsonton for the past 37 years; Mrs. Mitchell was a member of the former First Baptist Church of Monessen. She was a retired registered nurse at Mon Valley Hospital’s Progressive Care Unit. She is survived by two sons; Morgan James Mitchell; of Belle Vernon; and Chris Alyn Mitchell; of Gibsonton; a sister; Ardyth Rowe; of Gibsonton; two grandchildren; and a very dear friend; Christy S. Runfola; of Belle Vernon. She was preceded in death by her brother; Thomas Joseph Lancaster Jr.; and a sister; Bonny Varega. Visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). Services will be held Saturday; Nov. 26; at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend; online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home’s web site; http://www.parzynskifuneralhome.com/