Melvin, fondly known as Mel by all that knew him, was born and raised in Danville, PA. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 81, from cardiac arrest.

Mel, Valedictorian of his High School Graduation Class, then enlisted in the Navy and was proud to serve his country during WWII as a "SeaBee."

Mel resided for the next 40 years in the Midwest, primarily in the Joliet and Yorkville-Plano areas of Illinois. He spent most of this time in sales and ventured out as an Entrepreneur, owning Masters Enterprises and later owning "Fox Valley Real Estate", a Real Estate Office in Yorkville, Illinois.

Besides raising 11 children, Mel and his wife Sandy were actively raising Champion Great Danes. Mel also enjoyed serving the community as a Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a volunteer County Auxiliary Deputy in both Will and Kendall Counties.

After moving to Lee County in the 80's he resumed his career in Real Estate and then opened his own brokerage, "Masters Realty." He was a former member of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. And was very proud of the fact that his entry one year in the Christmas Boat Parade won 1st Prize.

After retiring, he led an active life, obtaining his Security license and worked for Allied Security and most recently, Collier's Reserve. As a veteran, Mel was also a member of Island X-8 Seabee Post and The American Legion.

Besides his wife of 42 years, Sandy, he is survived by sons, Mel Jr. "Skip" (Sandy), IL, Rob (Pat), NV, Bill (Linda), IL, John (Jan), IL, Mike, WA., Joe, Germany; Daughters Janet, IL, Pat (Gene) FL, & Nicolle, IL. 19 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A brother, Gordon, NC and a sister Edna, PA and a favorite brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Dan and Shirley Rosenquist, FL & NC. And many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Creda, and father, Corey; sister, Arlene; brother, Howard; son, Ron; and daughter, DeAnn.

He was truly loved by his wife and family and will be missed by them and all his friends.

The family will attend a Military Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery on the day after Father's Day, June 18, 2007 at 2 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations in has name to the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-8, 9840 Spyglass Ct., N. Ft. Myers, FL 33907, would be appreciated.