Melba Jean Giralico (Kipilo), 95, died of natural causes, on October 7, 2021, at Concordia Of Franklin Park. She was born September 13, 1926, in Rochester Pa., the daughter of Albert Giralico and Bertha Virginia Crowley (Giralico).
Melba graduated from Rochester High School, Class of 1944. Following graduation, a few years later, she worked in an assembly line for Standard Collapsible Tube Company (placing toothpaste caps on the products) in the 1950's.
She participated in the orchestra at Rochester High school. Played the organ in the baptist church in Rochester, Pa. and a Presbyterian church in Bridgewater, Pa. For 20yrs. she played in Sewickley, Pa. at the St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church. A total of almost 60yrs, and she was even in a duet with Oscar Peterson (a famous Canadian jazz pianist). She loved all animals, especially her past grand dogs, Muffin and Buffy, spoiling them every moment. A green thumb for gardening, she would plant flowers and greenery down along the riverbank and people would marvel at it, from a distance in their riverboats, as they passed by. She loved Talk Radio, and would turn it on at home, after working the odd swing shift.
On October 24, 1959, she married George J. Kipilo Sr. and they resided in a nice home, in Glenfield, Pa. along the Ohio river. They were married until his death April 15, 2000.
In addition, to her parents, she was predeceased by Albert Giralico (brother), Virginia Mae Giralico (Catanzarite) sister and Rose Giralico (Moldovan) sister.
She is survived by daughter, Rebecca L. Somerville (T. Gainer) of Toronto, Canada. Son, George J. Kipilo Jr. (C. Caveney) of Glenfield, Pa. Grandchild, George J. Kipilo III of Bellvue, Pa. and his mother, Crystal Luntz (Case) of Zelienople, Pa. Grandchildren: Piero Albert Roppa and Joseph John Roppa (1972-2018) from Canada. Grandchild, Lisa Marie (J. Sopko) of Darlington, Pa. Great-Grandchildren: Michelle Ricci (Hans Blandon) and Michael Ricci of Canada. Great-Great Grandchildren: Julia, Stephanie, Madison, Jasmin and Noah, of Canada.
A visitation will be held 3pm-8pm Tuesday, October 12th at the Richard D. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 328 Beaver Street Sewickley, Pa 15143.
Interment will be at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, 273 PA-68 Rochester, Pa. 15074, 11am, Wednesday, October 13th.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Melba in a special way, donations in her memory, can be done online via link http://thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Friends shelter located at 562 Camphorne Road Pittsburgh, Pa 15237
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