Jerome "Jerry" P. Melega

He was born December 19, 1937 in Blainsburg, Washington County, a son of the late Frank L. and Cecelia Cooper Melega.

Mr. Melega was a 1956 graduate of California High School; and a 1960 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a music/piano major.

He was a well-known musician and performer, having played for many big and jazz bands and singers around the world. He started with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, and the Woody Herman Band (also called the Herd). He also performed in Las Vegas, and with Frank Sinatra.

In the local area he played in the Allegheny Club, with WQED, with Harold and Jerry Betters and had a Pittsburgh band called King Solomon. At one time was known as one of the top 10 Jazz musicians in the country by Down Beat Magazine.

Mr. Melega is survived by a brother, Frank Melega and his wife Lenore of Rices Landing and their children, Mark, Jill and Carrie; also two very close friends Gail Ebner and Joe Deems.

A memorial service to be held will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behm Funeral Home, Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.