MALEC VINCENA (PETRUSO) Vinnie Malec, a longtime resident of Blawnox, faithful and dynamic congregant of St. Edward's in the parish of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, and an inspired activist on behalf of homeless veterans, died peacefully early Thursday morning, August 20, 2015. A native Pennsylvanian, born in 1929 to parents who had emigrated from Sicily, Vinnie attended Meadville High School, and Edinboro State Teachers College (now Edinboro University), where she met her husband, rising college football star and Blawnox native, Robert J. Malec (1925-1972). The Malecs made their home in Blawnox, and Vinnie joined the faculty of St. Joseph School in Verona, where she taught generations of starstruck sixth graders, including renowned mystery novelist, Dennis Palumbo. She also assisted in the family business and was a founder of the Blawnox Business Association. After Mr. Malec's untimely death, she completed graduate degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, and began a distinguished career in Social Work. In her position as social worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Highland Drive in Pittsburgh, she united her two great passions - assisting homeless veterans and the Pittsburgh Steelers - in a special moment when she was photographed explaining to Chuck Noll and Joe Greene the first of its kind homeless program of the then Veterans Administration and the American Legion, initiated through her team's efforts. The program went on to become a national model, and continues presently. Although Vinnie retired from the VA in 1995, she continued her advocacy on behalf of veterans. She especially prized her work as one of the dedicated leaders of the St. Vincent de Paul ministry for the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish. She drew on her talents to enhance life. Her musical ability - from voice to piano - and her zest for performance, made an afternoon with her a highlight for everyone who knew her - from her sixth graders in the 1960s to the present day elders who enjoyed her piano concerts when she cared for her sister, Rosemarie Petruso (1925-2014), a former resident of Amber Woods. In addition to her lifelong devotion to music, Vinnie was an avid bridge player, golfer, and a fervently dedicated Pittsburgh sports fan. She followed closely every game of Pitt Panthers football, basketball, and of course, the Steelers. Her octogenarian siblings knew to expect her call when their own resident NFL teams fell to the skill and speed of Vinnie's beloved Steelers. She brought this same high energy and vivacity to everything she did, and was a constant spur of activity for everyone around her. Vinnie was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Malec; and is survived by her two children, Martha Mary Sproul (Thom) and Robert J. Malec, Jr. (Wendy); her grandchildren, Brian Sproul, Christopher Sproul (Nicole), and Michael Malec; step-grandchild, Robert Christopher Austin (Angela); step-great-grandchild, Wyatt Austin; her two sisters, Josephine Bartley, Fort Lauderdale and Anne Lombard, Los Angeles; and her brother, Sandy Petruso, Charlotte; as well as two generations of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Visitation Sat., 6-8 p.m., Sun., 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., 930 Center Ave., Blawnox, PA 15238, where family and friends will gather Mon. at 9:30 a.m., followed by Funeral Mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, St. Edward Church at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Society, 450 Walnut St., Pgh., PA 15238. www.thomasmsmithfh.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb