Michael J. Melnick

Michael J. Melnick, 82, of West Scranton, died Thursday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.  He is survived by his wife, the former Lois Gscheidle.  They celebrated their 59th anniversary on June 18th.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late John M. and Sue Tayoun Melnick.  Michael was a graduate of Scranton St. Patrick’s High School and the University of Scranton where he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education.  Prior to retirement, he taught school for 35 years at Scranton St. Patrick’s High School, Lackawanna Trail High School., where he also coached basketball and football, and West Scranton High School, where he also was the assistant football coach and the junior high track team coach.  Michael also served on the Scranton City Council for 16 years. 

Michael was a 25-year member of the PIAA Officials for football, basketball, and track, and he was a past member of the Scranton Area Chapter of PIAA Football Officials where he served as Rules Interpreter for many years. 

He was an inductee to the Chic Feldman Scranton Area Sports Hall of Fame and also the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. 

He was a member of St. Ann’s Basilica and was a devout follower of St. Ann’s novena. 

He is also survived by his daughter, Linda Krehel; sons, Michael, and wife, Janine, Robert, and Tim and wife, Krissy; a sister, Cynthia Kramer, and husband Bill; grandchildren, Nicholas and Alexandra Krehel, Janel, Stephanie, Meghan, Jack, Amelia, and Matthew Melnick; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins.  

He was preceded in death by his brother, Peter Melnick; and a nephew, William Kramer.

Memorial contributions may be made to William R. Kramer Memorial Scholarship Fund 257 Langan Road Covington Township, PA 18444.

The funeral will be Monday from Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, Carl J. Savino, Jr., Supervisor, 157 South Main Avenue in West Scranton with Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Ann’s Basilica. Entombment to follow in Cathedral Cemetery. 

Friends may call Sunday from 2pm-5pm. 

All those attending the funeral Monday morning are asked to go directly to the church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Melnick, please visit our floral store.