Melissa Marie Poole

POOLE---Melissa Marie, 38, Johnstown, passed away on May 8, 2026 in Johnstown. Born March 22, 1988 in Johnstown, daughter of Jerry A. Poole and Sharon M. (Seese) Valinsky. Preceded in death by parents. Survived by Bonus Father, William "Bill" Valinsky, Johnstown; sister, Megan (Chuck) Miller, nephews, Corey, Hayden and Bryden Miller, Johnstown; brother, Brandon Zungali, Greensburg, nieces and nephews, Jaelan, Shaela (and son Genesis), Brandon and Nadiyah and Skylar; Uncle, Barry Seese, cousins, Michael Seese and Bill Thomas; Uncle, Larry Poole, cousins, Lindsay and Lacey; Aunt, Tammy (Pete) Orbovich, Virginia; and cousin, Brandy and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the Valinsky family.

Melissa once created and owned her own pizza shop that she called Auntie Sassa's Pizzeria. She was a cheerleader in high school and was a vibrant, loving and caring person.

Melissa will be tremendously missed by her sister, Megan and by all she has known. These are some things that were shared to her sister about her...."Melissa was known as fun, hard working, witty, always up for an adventure"....she was "a sweet, funny girl who would do anything for anyone..." "She was a free spirit and now she is free. Melissa lit up my day everyday no matter what I was going through. She was a really bright light for everyone around her." 

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Memorial Service being held at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026, with Rev. Tom Moore officiating.

Luke 15:4-7        Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.