Clair “Chunky” Garvin Piper, 63, of Indiana, PA, passed away on November 24, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. He was born in 1957 to Clair L. and Maxine Faye Bennett Piper. He graduated from
Blairsville High School, Class of 1977, and continued on to receive a degree in Electrical Construction from the PA College of Technology. Clair married his best friend and love, Loretta Marie Nocco on May 7, 1983, and had three children.
He is survived by his wife, Loretta, and three children, Daniel Clair Piper (Mary), Indiana; David Louis Piper (friend Katie), Pittsburgh; and Dana Marie Piper (fiance Peter Short), Beaumont, TX; his siblings Dennis E. Piper (Betsy), Nashville, TN; Michele L. Blattenberger (Barry), Black Lick; and Brian M. Piper (Lisa), Homer City; his sister-in-law Carol Black (Len), brother-in-laws Ron Nocco (Misty), and Robert Nocco (Donna); his nieces Stacy Marshall, Brittney Thomas, Chelsey Piper, Kayla Dusack, Courtnie Piper, Anna Nocco, and Maya Nocco; nephews Jason Dean (Amber), Barry Blattenberger (Toni), River Hone, and Giuseppe Nocco; and several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Skip Nocco.
Chunky retired from CKE/Dean Technology after 35 years and recently was a driver for Delaney Auto Group. He was a Life Member of the Indiana Optimist Club and is known for his many years of service in promoting bringing out the best in kids. He was a loving husband and devoted father to his children. He never missed a game through all their years in baseball, soccer, football, softball, and volleyball. He was a Steelers season ticket holder, avid Pirates and Penn State fan, and a dedicated 5:30 a.m. patron of the Zink Fitness Center. He was also a faithful fan of the IUP basketball and volleyball teams.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, VFW golf league, and a Civil War enthusiast. His other interests included going to Twissted Trivia, meeting up with his Friday morning breakfast group, and enjoying an array of diverse concerts and music events.
Visitation will be held at Bowser-Minich Funeral Home in Indiana, PA on Saturday, November 28, 2020, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A private funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday with Pastor Tedd Cogar at Zion Lutheran Church. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
The service for Mr. Piper will be streamed on the Zion Lutheran Church Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Indiana Optimist Club, Attn: Crimson WMG, 437 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA 15701.
