This longtime Hicksville man, neighbor and friend to many, passed away a short time ago at the age of 60. He lived in Hicksville with his family and is survived by his loving wife Betty and their three children, Matthew, Michelle and Dylan, all of whom were raised in Hicksville. For many years, Mel owned a food truck and worked a route making contacts and connections with many people.
At Trinity Lutheran Church and School on 40 W. Nicholai St. in Hicksville, a Celebration of Life Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was held on Oct. 19 and presided over by the Senior Reverend Pastor John Hopkins.
Mel was born Aug. 7, 1959 grew up in Portadown, Ireland with brothers Nigel and Lloyd. When their father passed, the family came to Hicksville to settle, where Mel remained for the duration of his life.
At Hicksville’s House of Donuts, Mel met Betty Doheny, who worked there making the donuts. When she saw that he was coming over she would dust the flour off, fix her hair and be sure to be the one at the counter when he came in, to order coffee for the people he worked with nearby. On Aug. 30, 1987 they were married on a boat called the Thomas Jefferson in Freeport. They were the first to get married on it.
Mel and Betty shared their marriage for 32 years as they raised their now-grown three children. Family was most important to them. Mel and Betty took great pride in their family values providing a loving and caring environment for them. Mel was a loving husband, father, brother and son. Well respected by other family members, he was the one they went to for advice. He was around to lend a helping hand and was a true friend to those he cared about. He also was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Boy Scouts and was involved with sports as a spectator and participant in softball, bowling and golf.
Mel owned a coffee truck, dubbed Mel’s Diner. He worked his route tirelessly and consistently regardless of weather. His coffee truck was spotless and his food always fresh. People came to rely on being there when it was time to get fresh hot coffee or something to eat. When he was not up to working on the coffee truck, he kept busy with projects around the house, gardening and learning to ride a motorcycle. He could also be found taking care of his 1968 Firebird Convertible dream car or working on and fixing the family cars.
A great four-legged friend lover, he always had dogs. Scout was his beloved buddy for 15 years. Jax became his companion later, staying by his side everyday as he battled pancreatic cancer. Mel kept a positive determination through his illness, enjoyed a rich and full life sharing with all those whose lives he touched. He was taken too soon and will be deeply missed by family and friends who knew him.
“Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.”
A request for those who wished to donate in his memory is directed to the organization of first responders, online; www.Tunnels2towers.org
