Norma Jo (Melegari) Roth

Norma Jo Roth, 71, of Delmont, formerly of Lafayette, IN, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at her home. She was born July 3, 1953, in McKeesport, PA, daughter of the late Norman and Marjorie (Ursiny) Melegari Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Melegari, sister, Nina Kemsey, and nephew, BJ Fagan.

She often told stories of her childhood growing up in Buena Vista, hiking up to the Channel 4 tower behind her house, even occasionally letting herself into the control room before being shooed away, spending entire summers at the Buenie pool, and walking miles a day to visit her friends in neighboring boroughs. 

Jo enjoyed cheering on her alma mater of Penn State’s football team and remembered her time there fondly. She proudly wore her Penn State gear and attended games in the enemy territory of West Lafayette. 

She appreciated the natural world, especially the hills and mountains of Pennsylvania that she was so very happy to return to after retirement. She was also an avid bird watcher and could recognize certain calls as well. 

Jo was an excellent baker and was always ready to contribute to a cookie table. Her advice to struggling bakers (like her daughter) always was: “If the batter is good, the cake will be good. If it’s bad, just forget it.”

She loved traveling and exploring, trying new regional foods, and connecting with people. On a vacation in Greece, she spent a lovely day alone wandering all around the Athens markets and came home with many treats and stories about her encounters. 

Jo’s signature big smile and dimples were a physical representation of her equally big heart. Warm and supportive, she loved to laugh and made ordinary things special and fun.

Jo is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Thomas A. Roth, two children, Lainie Roth and Adam (Heather) Roth, two grandchildren, Maia and Kellen, three sisters, Liz Fagan, Bonnie Totin, and Ida Melegari, several nieces and nephews, many cousins, and countless friends who will all miss her dearly. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer. Memorial contributions may be made to Feeding America. www.feedingamerica.org  For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.  

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