Retired Col. Melvin James "Mel" Yarsky, 91, of Cabot, formerly of Baldwin, passed away Friday.

He was the beloved and cherished husband for 65 years of Gerda Nerlich Yarsky; loving and devoted father of seven daughters, JoAnn (Greg) Pick of Estero, Fla., Susan (Joe) Byrne of Bridgeville, Cindy (David) Morgan of Lafayette, La., Janice (Tom) Rassau of Greenville, N.C., Kimberly (Don) Zandier of Library, the late Carol Ann (the late Robert) Riede and the late Kimberly Ann Yarsky. He also is survived by 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph A. and Mary Theresa Haughey Yarsky; and his siblings, Kenneth (Louise) Yarsky, John (Mary) Yarsky, Cletus (Nancy of Columbus, Ohio) Yarsky and Betty (Ned) Webb.

Melvin earned his bachelor's degree in business administration, with an emphasis on accounting, from Duquesne University in 1938. He then worked for American Radiator & Standard Sanitary, where in 1940, he met the love of his life, his co-worker Gerda. Following a two-year courtship, they married in 1942 in Tucson, Ariz., and have enjoyed a loving and prosperous life together.

Having enlisted in the Army Air Corps, Melvin proudly served as a bomber pilot in the European theater. On Feb. 25, 1944, his aircraft was shot down and Melvin became a prisoner of war until his release on May 12, 1945. He continued to serve his country until being honorably discharged in January 1947. Melvin remained in the Air Force Reserves; and on May 1, 1970, he was inducted as a lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association.

Upon his release from active service and having a desire to become self-employed, Melvin opened Yarsky's Beer Distributing Co. on Jane Street, Southside. Melvin also worked several years as a foreman for J&L Steel.

<B>YARSKY </B>— A Mass of Christian burial for retired Col. Melvin James "Mel" Yarsky, who died Friday, July 18, 2008, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of St. Joseph Parish, 315 Stoney Hollow Road, Cabot. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills.Contributions may be made in Melvin's memory to the hospice which provided such loving care, Good Samaritan House, 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023Arrangements are by the <B>H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, </B>Pittsburgh.