Milan "Mel" Lipensky

Milan "Mel" Lipensky, 89, of Lebanon passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018 at his residence. He was the husband of Susan Anne Risser Lipensky, whom he married on October 9, 1959. Mel and his twin brother, who passed away in infancy, were born in Chicago on August 24, 1928, sons of the late Edward and Ethel Mrazek Lipensky. Mel grew up in Chicago and was educated in public school system and attended 12 years of Czech School learning about his ancestors and European customs. Mel spoke 7 languages. He served 3 years in the US Army Air Corps. Mel graduated with honors from the University of Illinois and the University of Missouri School of Mines. He is a Professional Engineer, Professional Blaster, Mining Engineer, Mining Geologist, Mineralogist and was also a surveyor and realtor . Mel was scouted by and hired by the Bethlehem Steel Corp being placed in the "Loop Program", successfully moving back and forth through production, engineering and management areas of the company. In 1953 he moved east to Lebanon working at the Cornwall and Morgantown Mines. While with the mines he was also in charge of a Mexican Mine having to travel by donkey to the remote location several times a year. In 1972 as General Superintendent, Mel was chosen to close the Cornwall Mine after the flood, Agnes had done extensive damage to the underground. It took 2 years to do so successfully, passing all the safety regulations. In 1975, Mel and Anne purchased the Lebanon Building Supply from her parents. At the ages of 89 and 84 they worked daily leading the business through its 78th year in business. Mel was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Lebanon where he taught Sunday School. He was a life member of the Lebanon Elks Lodge, a Spike member of the Lebanon County Builders Association, member of the Lebanon Country Club, Quentin Riding Club, American Legion, Lebanon County Historical Society, Friends of Cornwall and very active with the Cornwall Miners Association. Mel enjoyed time spent with family, especially his grandchildren, reading, the beach, trips, fishing, politics and his beloved dogs Mr. Bo Jangles and Sir Benjamin. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Milan R., husband of Jeanette Lipensky of Annville, his daughters, Melanie Sue, wife of Donald R. Totaro of Lancaster, Marta Elaine, wife of Rick Shirk of Cleona, grandchildren, Douglas M. and Derek J. Totaro, both of Richmond, VA, Rachel Maree Shirk of Boynton Beach, FL, Marc Edward Shirk of Cleona, step grandsons, Ryan, husband of Ashley Duignan of Elizabethtown, Sean, husband of Jackie Duignan of Pennville, Luke Duignan of Hummelstown, 4 step great grandchildren, brother Dushan, husband of Geraldine Lipensky of Wheaton, IL, 3 nieces and his beloved dogs Mr. Bo Jangles and Sir Benjamin. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mel's funeral service Friday, April 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM from Porterfield-Scheid Funeral Directors & Cremation Services, Ltd, 890 Isabel Dr., Lebanon (next to Quentin Circle). A viewing will be held Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and Friday from 10:00 AM to time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be made in Grand View Memorial Park, Annville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Mel's memory may be made to the Lebanon County Historical Society, 924 Cumberland St, Lebanon, PA 17042, Covenant UM Church, 346 N. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17046 or Cornwall Iron Furnace, P.O. Box 251, Cornwall, PA 17016. An Elks service will be held Thursday at 7:00 PM. For further information please call 717-272-4634 or to share on line condolences visit www.porterfieldscheidfh.com

Milan "Mel" Lipensky

April 14, 1929 - April 14, 2018