JOHN P. LIPTAK

Mr. Liptak was a wonderful teacher, coach, and mentor, and I will miss him. I well recall his engaging history classes at WMHS, each one ending with his trademark “Thanks for coming”. And when he saw that this (then) 140-pounder was not cut out for football, he appointed me statistician so I could hang out and travel with the team, a kindness I only came to appreciate fully in later years. He also strongly urged me to go to college, and after he had moved to East Allegheny, continued to nudge me to set my sights higher. No one in my high school years had a bigger impact on me then nor on my subsequent educational and career choices. I know I was not alone in being the beneficiary of Mr. Liptak's wit, wisdom, and encouragement, and all of us were blessed to have known him.
Gary Reiness WMHS '63

To the family of John Liptak
I am in my 60''s now and your father was my 6th grade teacher at Green Valley Elementary School. I have thought of him many times throughout the years as many of the things he taught me those many years ago are still with me. I am sure that he is in heaven and teaching the angels. He was truly a wonderful man and teacher.

Mr. Liptak was a man, who by his very presence, commanded respect - and we did respect him. Here's to a great educational administrator and I am sure a wonderful father and grandfather. May God provide your family the peace that passes all understanding.

I'm sure I speak for most of the students of the East Allegheny High School who had the pleasure and honor of calling him, teacher, principal and friend, that we share in your loss. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that he truly was a wonderful man of conviction, compassion and care for his students and his fellow man. I truly wish there were more teachers who had the combination of heart and humor in today's schools. He will truly be missed.

Dear Liptak Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Father, I hold very fond memories of him. He was a great man who was respected by so many at EA. I ran into him while walking in Port Vue and we talked for some time in front of his home reminiscing of the good old days at East Allegheny. May you all find comfort knowing that your dad is at peace and is now a special angel in heaven.