Pipta: Father Deacon Paul Joseph, 71, Somerset Pike, Johnstown passed away April 5, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center. Born July 20, 1944, in Johnstown, the eighth child of John and Mary (Nesbella) Pipta. Preceded in death by parents and brother Michael. Survived by wife Irene (Chudik) Pipta whom he married Aug. 31, 1974; daughter, Rene' married to Keith Hay, Meyersdale; grandchildren and God's gifts, Abigail Elizabeth and Caleb Christopher Hay; brothers John and wife Rose Marie, Newry, and Robert and wife Rita, Anaheim, CA; sisters Irene Shiring, Oceanside, CA; Barbara Elser, Anaheim, Ca; Eleanor Hipsley, Lanham, Md and Mary Jane Bodner, Chevy Chase, Md; Also numerous nieces and nephews. A 1962 graduate of Conemaugh Township High School. A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Attended Penn State University, Altoona Campus. Retired draftsman with 35 years of service for Miller-Picking/York Corp. Member of SS Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Jerome where he served as cantor for over 25 years. Attended St. Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary Diaconate Program. Ordained to Holy Diaconate on Sept. 7, 2003. Assigned to St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Windber, where he served as Deacon and part time cantor. He enjoyed tending to the pastoral and spiritual needs of patients at Memorial Medical Center. He was a Level II Reiki Practitioner. Also a member of Johnstown Woodcarvers and Knights of Columbus St. Andrews. Paul was an avid woodcarver, especially icons. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Viewing from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 109 Church Road, Davidsville, where Parastas will be held at 5:30PM Friday with Paul's nephew Father Robert Pipta presiding. Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy 10 a.m. Saturday at SS Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Jerome with Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh William C. Skurla celebrant. Committal SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Jerome. Donations in Paul's memory may be given to Somerset County Humane Society, P.O. Box 182, Somerset, PA 15501 or Cambria County Humane Society, 743 Galleria Drive Ext., Johnstown, PA 15904. To express condolences, make a donation, light a candle or order flowers, visit HoffmanFuneralHomes.com.

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