Obituary of Thomas Joseph Melcher

Thomas Joseph Melcher, 88, "Pop-Pop", Thomas (Tom) J. Melcher, 88, of Melbourne FL died peacefully on July 19, 2011, at the William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay FL. Thomas Melcher was born July 2, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late John and Amelia (Snyder) Melcher. He was their only child and the beloved nephew of the late Sue Synder of Philadelphia, PA. Tom attended Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, PA. He continued his post-secondary education receiving a Bachelor's Degree from St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia, PA and a Master's of Business Administration from Rollins College, Winter Park FL. Tom served on active duty as a United States Marine Corps Officer in both the Pacific Theater during WWII, and the Korean War. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, USMC Reserves. During his active duty he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat operations. Tom later worked as a civilian 28 years for Martin Marietta at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and retired as Business Operations Manager in 1986. After retirement, Tom and his beloved wife Marie (Nichol) Melcher traveled for many years in their RV throughout the United States and Alaska. Tom's abiding love was his wife of 67 years, Marie. This love was followed in equal measure by his joy in his family and his Church. He was an avid enthusiast of all sports and good ice cream. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing love and laughter with family and friends. During his life experience, he gave freely of himself in numerous charitable endeavors. He served at the Daily Bread, provided Hospice caregiver respite, co-founded the Small Church Communities ministry at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, and delivered Meals on Wheels to our community. Tom was a parish member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church for over 30 years. He was a man of faith, and it never wavered. He was ever the hopeful optimist believing the good would prevail. Although he never sought recognition, it found him as a husband, father, Marine, citizen and employee. Tom is survived by his wife, Marie (Nichol) Melcher; his six beloved children Thomas Melcher Jr., Maureen (Mimi) Melcher, Susan (Melcher) Tanner, John (Jack) Melcher, Anthony (Tony) Melcher, and Paul Melcher; seven grandchildren Marisa (Melcher) Phipps, Jacquie Melcher, Salena Melcher, Kelly Melcher, Kimberly Melcher, Andrew Melcher, and Emily Melcher, who all affectionately called him "Pop Pop"; two great-grandchildren Luci Melcher-Evans, Kennadi Phipps, along with countless other friends and family who were blessed to know him. Thomas Melcher's life will be celebrated with a memorial service at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 8:30 AM with reception in the community room. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Holy Name of Jesus education endowment.