Dorothy Jo Ann Melnick – Belle Vernon
Dorothy Jo Ann Melnick, 88, of Belle Vernon, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024. A daughter of the late Ralph and Rose Curcio Clark, she was born in Belle Vernon on Oct. 23, 1935. Jo Ann was a lifelong resident of Belle Vernon and was a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Belle Vernon. She was employed as a financial agent for American Finance in Charleroi until her retirement in 1971. Jo Ann is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Bob Carota of Belle Vernon; and two brothers, George (Sabra) Clark of Belle Vernon and Robert (Carol) Clark of Mt. Lebanon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Melnick on Nov. 3, 2015; and a brother, James David Clark. Jo Ann also leaves behind an extraordinary number of friends, family and caregivers who benefited from her love and generosity over the years. She was a woman with many talents, most known for her passion for baking and entertaining. Her cookie trays were truly works of art that could never be duplicated. She enjoyed good conversation, great food and enjoying time with family and friends around her kitchen table more than anything. She had a true gift for making people feel loved, appreciated and welcomed. Her laughter and quick wit will be missed by many. A special thank you to her private caregivers, Amedysis Hospice and the “Golden Girls” at Mon Valley Care Center, especially her roommate and best friend, Annie Smoody. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-5300, www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Funeral services will be in the funeral home at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, with Jean Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
