Blaine M. McMelleon – Monaca (Center Twp.)
Blaine M. McMelleon, 86, of Monaca (Center Twp.) passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, August 25, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospice, Beaver.
Born May 3, 1933, in Nemacolin, Pa., he was a son of the late Minor W. and Mattie M. (Mason) McMelleon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret E. (Griffith) McMelleon on May 10, 1982, and his second wife, Margaret A. “Peggy” (Strayer) McMelleon on August 15, 2009, whom be married August 23, 2002; his daughters, Karen M. McMelleon in 1970, Faye S. Pettner in 2017 and Janet L. Blair in 2010; a stepson, Shawn M. Bryan and three sisters, Billie Walters, Betty Mason and Boots Thomas.
Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law. William M. and Patsy McMelleon; a stepdaughter and her husband, Colleen and Tim Bruzzese. He was the grandfather of Casey (Stephanie) Cochran, Matthew Pettner, Maggie McMelleon, BreAnna Blair, Shawn and Cheyenne Bruzzese and Chloe McMelleon.
Blaine was a life member of the Hopewell VFW Post #8805 and former President of Air Heritage. He graduated from South H. S. Pittsburgh in 1951, immediately following graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force, he completed tech training in Denver for remote control turret systems for B-29 and B-26 invaders. He served in Korea as a tail gunner on a B-29. He completed 48 combat missions and was awarded the Air Medal, Korea Service Ribbon and Bronze Star. After active duty, he was employed as an assistant purchasing agent with Hubbard & Co. of Pittsburgh. He completed his education as an Industrial Engineer at Pittsburgh Tech, Institute and graduated in 1956, he was then employed by Joy Manufacturing Co. in Franklin, Pa. as an Industrial Engineer until 1957. He then joined the A&S Railroad Engineering Dept., developing and maintaining incentive programs until May 1968, then transferring to the Personnel Dept. as a Safety Inspector and Investigator, rising to Claim Agent and Legal and Medical Coordinator. He Retired in 1984 for health reasons. He served as president of Air Heritage Beaver Falls and as a member of the Beaver County Airshow Committee for four years. He also served with various political and civic groups in Center Twp. and was the first president of the Beaver Valley Mall Walkers Association.
Blaine enjoyed airshows, travel and photography. But his biggest joy was the time spent with family and friends.
At his request, there will be no visitation or services. He will be laid to rest at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Rochester.
Memorials in his name can be made to the American Heart Association.
Professional services provided by the MCCONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 447 Pine St., Hookstown, PA 15
