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Pennsylvania State University

FUNERAL HOME

Koch Funeral Home - State College

2401 S. Atherton Street

State College, Pennsylvania

Jack Sapia Obituary

Jack Sapia January 27, 1926 January 20, 2013 Jack Sapia, 86, of State College, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at Elmcroft of State College. Born Jan. 27, 1926, in Charleroi, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Mary Territa Sapia. On June 5, 1958, he married Doris Virginia Arnold, who died on Nov. 9, 1999. He is survived by two sons, Mark Sapia and his wife, Clare, of State College and Tony Sapia, of State College; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Arn Sapia, on May 24, 1983; and three sisters, Constance Sasko, Virginia Villella and Caroline Dulack. He served in the Navy in World War II. Jack was a graduate of Pittsburgh Academy High School. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration from Penn State University in 1959. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, State College, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Elks Lodge, all of Charleroi and the Presidents Club of PSU. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Monsignor David Lockard officiating. Entombment will be in Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association at 300 Penn Center Blvd. #602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com. WITH OR WITHOUT MUSTARD? BY DORIS SAPIA Explain My-O-My? Simple as A,B,C. It looks like Ellis Island on Sunday Afternoon: "it's a bar Hong Kong"..ham 'n cheese and chicken wings: Chesty or Ahmid or Sam from Siam. Throw in upstairs or downstairs .Servello's murals. "it's either a plus or a minus, do whatever you can afford""where celebrities come to meet people." It's all of this and yet---it could not be without Jack. It is not candlelight dinner with muted music: it is not mellow surroundings for urban entertaining; it is not Early American. T.G.I.F., beat, weird, or paid for. The spirit of Jack's My-O-My is reflected in his life and by its mirrors; at times smudged, finger-marked, bright, clear, square, dark, cloudy, brilliant, chipped, whole. And so, I ask myself: do the mirrors reflect the habitu‚s or does the habitat ape the images? Does the neighborhood make the bar, or does the bar dictate the neighborhood? The answer is insignificant; My-O-My, the place, is unimportant except as a common exchange for thought, refreshment, ideas, and friendship. When the last "last call" no longer shrills and the smoky draught clears, the myriad clamors and sounds, customs, mores, and faces return to echo their differences as well as their similarities. The need to find yourself as an individual is here: Six kinds of beer on tap and someone to listen to you is here! Companionship and camaraderie is here! Friendship but with proof of age! Freedom of action and speech but no trespassing is here! Businessmen, professors, taxi drivers, poets, plumbers, students --- all of these and many more come to this place, a place and persons freer in thought and feeling than most allow themselves to be, to dispel their common loneliness, share their joys, and together unwind and rebuild again from a fast-moving and oft times frightening world. The My-O-My could be any bar, but it is not; its diversified types of people, are member of a larger community often eager, attentive, amused, enthusiastic, refusing to leave at the end, calling back its players again and again---this is the community of us all. Last call! Lock it up, boysthere's a party on Waupelani Drive." Last call jackThanks Jack! What a life Dad, My-O-My!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Jan. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Sapia

51 Entries

Jeff Shaw

February 10, 2013

Mark, I was sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Growing up down the street, I have so many memories of him at your house and his ever present cigar. He had a presence and wisdom about him that I remember to this day. You and your family are in my prayers.

Wynn Meyers

February 7, 2013

I was sorry to hear Of Jack's passing. My mom was friends with your mom and dad always said Jack was a good business competitorand enjoyed talking to him when they ran into each other. He always greeter us whenever we ran into him. He will be missed anyone who knew him

(Meyers BaRestaurant)

Lark Vandermark

February 3, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with the memories of joyful times together as you celebrate the life well lived.

Steve Greer

February 2, 2013

Mark, Tony and the rest of the family - I am so sorry that we missed the services. Patti and I were out of the country and we only found out when we returned. Your father was such a dynamic and enigmatic personality who positively affected many generations in the Centre Region ... and any other place he graced. I can only imagine what's going on within the pearly gates.

One of my first jobs in State College (1976) was at the My-O-My. The manager hired me and I was charged with keeping the patrons civil and protecting the performers and guests ... FRONT and BACK. If any ne'er-do-well tried to enter without proper credentials or cut the line to get in, I was to run them out.

The first person I threw out on my very first night was some very aggressive man busting through the long, long line at the alley door ... swearing at the frat boys, chewing on a cigar, and wearing a beret. He swore at me that he was the friggin' owner, and I retorted that I was the friggin' Pope.

He begrudgingly left, but within minutes he soon re-appeared from inside, as he accessed the bar from the College Avenue entrance. He then introduced himself to me as Jack Sapia ... and we became fast friends for nearly 4 decades.

He not only put his stamp on the nightlife and entertainment scene in State College for many years, he also contributed greatly to the unselfish attitude and community culture of the Region.

I will miss you Jack, and I thank you for the times we got to spend together. You are only a smile away ...

Larry and Pat Olivia

January 29, 2013

How do you say goodbye to legend and old friend? You just say thank you Jack for all the memories you have left with me and Pat . Was good to see you 3 years ago at our 50 th reunion. Well done old friend and say hello to Doris and Lou.

Branyan Sensiba

January 28, 2013

Dear Tony, we wish you peace during this time of sorrow. In deepest sympathy, Branyan & Paul Sensiba

January 28, 2013

We will be keeping your family in our thoughts.

Scott and Robin Dutt
Happy Valley Optical

Dawn Taylor(Wine & Spirits)

January 27, 2013

Mark and Tony,
So Sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. My Thoughts & Prayers are with you both. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

January 27, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Joe Grata

January 26, 2013

To the Sapia family. As a Mon Valley kid, I used the "Charleroi connection" to meet your dad in 1961 when I enrolled at PSU. It wasn't long before I worked for him, helping pay my way through school but, more importantly, learning lessons not taught in any classroom. We maintained a friendly relationship over the years while I worked at the Pittsburgh Press and, then, the PG. We always visited in town and "on the road" a few times. We also drank one "for the road" on more than one occasion with the characters your mom mentioned in her fine piece about the "My-O-My." His influence on my life, and those of many others, will always be part of me. Thanks, Jack, for being Jack. Condolences. Submitted by JOE GRATA

katharine von der Fecht

January 26, 2013

Dear Mark and Tony, my sincerest condolences for the loss of your dad. May God bless you and your family, and enable you to smile not cry when you think of him. Kindest regards, Kathy Sauerman (PSKC)

Joseph and Irene Milasincic

January 25, 2013

Mark and Tony,
Joe and I have warm memories of your Dad from our time at PSU, his kindness to our daughter Anne, and a pleasant reunion a number of years ago when we stopped at one of his businesses and got to catch up. We know he will be greatly missed.

Donna Stine

January 25, 2013

Mark sorry for your loss of your dad . He will be missed by many of us at Elmcroft

Jim Purdum

January 25, 2013

Jack was a great friend and a difference maker. I will always remember his genuine smile; the kindness, the encouragement and the wise counsel he shared in a way only Jack could get away with. He will be missed. May God bless all who mourn his passing.

Tony Bellotti

January 25, 2013

Mark & Tony
Your Dad was one of a kind. I learned more from listening to Jack & Elmo then most people will ever learn. Great to have known Jack. They can continue there projects now.

The Toney Family

January 25, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim Raytek

January 25, 2013

Shortly after returning to State College in the 70's, a friend that I served with in Japan was reassigned to Walter Reed, and came to visit. We drove through campus, walked the streets of downtown, and finally made our way to the My-O-My for a beer. We entered through the back door, found a table, ordered, and sat and talked. It was my first trip to the My since returning to town. My friend asked if I came to the My very often, when Jack "rang the bell", and yelled, "Hey Raytek, your wife called. You need to stop for a loaf of bread and get some milk for the baby." Oh, Jack, tell Lou that I said Hi.

Terry Nau

January 24, 2013

Jack leaves a huge legacy in State College. I will never forget the many nights he regaled us newspaper reporters in the back of the My after our deadline had passed, telling us stories straight out of a Damon Runyon novel. He was truly a man of the people.

John Blazosky

January 24, 2013

Time moves on and this town's memories of Jack will live on through the many who passed through his establishments, heard his stories and felt his generosity. To me these memories will always represent the best of times gone by in Happy Valley! RIP Jack

J Doyle Corman

January 24, 2013

I am sorry for the loss of Jack. He was a friend and supporter of mine for years. May God Bless your family in this time of your loss.

Stu Chamberlain

January 24, 2013

I first met Jack when I was 19... a big guy with a cigar blew into the studio at WMAJ, talking about his commercial. When I was old enough I became a customer, and performed every now and then at the Gaff. Jack was a friend to people who had no friends, and I have no doubt that many who have gone before are now welcoming him in heaven.

Andrew Prestia

January 24, 2013

My Condolances on the loss of a wonderful father and a great man. Jack had always treated me as a member af the family and i will forever remember and speak of the fond memories i have of him.

Len Brush

January 23, 2013

Ira & Kathy Sasowsky

January 23, 2013

Dear Sapia family:

We are sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. May you take solace with the many fond memories that you have,

Sincerely,
ids/kcs

Ray Marcon

January 23, 2013

Sapia family,
Jack was one of my favorite customers and people. He was honest and you always knew where you stood with Jack. I will miss him.

Len Brush

January 23, 2013

Dear Mark, Tony and families,
Jack Sapia was one of kind and for sure a kind one. He was my mentor, friend and protagonist for the 15 years we lived on the planet State College at the same time. He was a hero to all who knew and needed him; and there were many. I count Jack as my only true friend from my 15 years in State College. He was true,he was loved and will always be remembered by those of us who benefitted from his friendship and his honesty. My thanks to your Father for making my stay in State College a winning experience.

Michael Kranich Sr,

January 23, 2013

This ends a long relationship for me with Jack ---nearly 40 years!
God bless!

January 23, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the Sapia family with the loss of Jack.

Angelo and Heather Card
Custom Shoe Repair

Dave Coe

January 23, 2013

It was my pleasure to have known and worked for your father. I can't count the number of hours I spent visiting with him in his little office downstairs off College Avenue and having the “professor” lecture me on macro-economics with adages such as “never buy anything that depreciates” or “the only way to make a killing in the stock market is to shoot your broker.”

Inside Jack was a very compassionate person, a fact he would try to hide lest someone would find out what an “easy touch” he could be. I once asked for his opinion on a property that was soon to be in foreclosure. His advice was to never capitalize on someone's misfortune, as it will come back to haunt you.

Only God knows how many people he actually helped out over the years.

May he rest in peace.

Mike Thorn

January 23, 2013

Mark & Tony, My condolences on the loss of Jack. I always enjoyed working for him, whether it was at the My-O-My or at the 'Gaff. Your dad was one of a kind and will be missed!

Pat Shoffner

January 23, 2013

As neighbors of Mark and Clare, we wanted to extend our sincere condolences. Pat lost her 86 year old dad this weekend, too. Two great men will always be remembered. ~The Shoffner Family

January 23, 2013

Mark, Tony and family,
Our condolences for the loss of your dad. May his spirit be with you always. Jack, you were a great inspiration to many.
Jay & Cindy Burnside

Sue Chambers

January 23, 2013

Tony and Mark:

I loved your dad so much. He was always so warm and kind. We have lost such a treasure. My memories of your father will always bring a smile to me. May your memories comfort you. Much love to both of your families

Andy Herman

January 22, 2013

Mark & Tony,
I was sadden to hear the news of the passing of Jack. In all my years of working in State College I always enjoyed sitting down with him and listening to all sorts of stories of the past or just talking about business in general. He was one of the last of a breed of individuals of a generation that understood the basic principles of business. He was to me, as I am sure he was to others, truly a gentleman.

Sam and Kim Michalski

January 22, 2013

Mark - We are so sorry for your loss! Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers...

Barbara Brueggebors

January 22, 2013

RIP, Jack. You'll be missed.

Sheri Cramer

January 22, 2013

Mark, Clare, Mark, Jr., MacKenzie, and Morgan, I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's death. He was such an interesting man with many stories to tell. I know that you will all miss him very much. Salute, Jack. Thanks for the memories.

Dave Coe

January 22, 2013

It was my pleasure to have known and worked for your father. I can't count the number of hours I spent visiting with him in his little office downstairs off College Avenue and having the “professor” lecture me on macro-economics with adages such as “never buy anything that depreciates” or “the only way to make a killing in the stock market is to shoot your broker.”

Inside Jack was a very compassionate person, a fact he would try to hide lest someone would find out what an “easy touch” he could be. I once asked for his opinion on a property that was soon to be in foreclosure. His advice was to never capitalize on someone's misfortune as it will come back to haunt you.

Only God knows how many people he actually helped out over the years.

May he rest in peace.

Donn Wonderling

January 22, 2013

Mark and Tony,
What a loss- I am so sorry. With his passing your father takes a part of State College with him. It just won't be the same. The only way I remember Calder Way is with your dad standing on the sidewalk with one of those Parodi cigars in the side of his mouth, while happily chatting with a friend. Your dad was a great man who put his stamp on that town for the good; he helped make it the great place it is today, and it just won't be the same without him.

Shawn and Erin Heilman

January 22, 2013

To Mark, Tony and the rest of the Sapia Family.
We are sorry for the loss of your Father. He has supplied some great memories the last 15 i have lived in State College

Bill and Erin Ames

January 22, 2013

To Mark and Tony Sapia and your families, we offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your father.

Requiescat in pace.

leonard ellenberger

January 22, 2013

mark tony and families i amtruly sorry for your loss it was an honor to work for your father and your mom when she needed something done at the house they both will be deeply missed and may the lord watch over you and your families and grant you peace in your time of mourning god bless you all youre all wonderful people

Judy (Norris)DeArmitt

January 22, 2013

Sorry to hear about your dad! He was a wonderful man who did much for others and asked little in return. I know he was a good friend to my dad. Cigars and pickup trucks!

Thelma Horner

January 22, 2013

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one.

Kit Stanton

January 22, 2013

Mark & Tony,
My condolences on Jack's passing. I often chatted with him while he was making his morning rounds, whether at Wegman's or The Waffle Shop. I will miss his handshake & smile. I still have fond memories of pizza @ Pappy's after a ballgame. I'm sure there's a project awaiting him in the Lord's presence.

Larry Rockey

January 22, 2013

Thanks for the memories......

Bob and Carol Nace

January 22, 2013

Mark and Tony Please accept our prayers and thoughts of your Dad at this time. Know that we all thought of your Dad many times especialy when we saw someone with a cigar as your Dad always had one.

January 22, 2013

I smoked a cigar with Jack in Tony's bar, and have enjoyed Mark's bar many times in the past. The old man was a friendly fellow, and clearly knew how to run a business. Sapia Family - many happy memories! My condolences on your loss. ~ Complete Stranger

Lisa Lundy

January 22, 2013

What a fabulous man your father was! He will be deeply missed. That was a fantastic obituary. Thanks for sharing it. May it warm your hearts to know that others are praying for you now and as you miss your Dad! Love, Lisa Lundy

Sydney Brown

January 22, 2013

I am very sorry to hear about Jack. He was one of my favorite people.

Chris and Michele Kelly

January 21, 2013

Mark, Clare,Tony and families,
Our condolences on your dad's passing. He was a great character in our small town. Your mothers words in the poem brought a smile to my face as I could hear her voice while reading it. Her words on community reminded me of the kind of acts of community your father did. All of us who played on the teener league fields owe him a thanks. I got to meet Al Oliver and Willie Stargell because your dad brought them in for a fundraiser in the 70's. Cheers Jack.

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