ForeverMissed
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Stephen J. Melnick, Jr., Age 77 passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2015, the feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the home of Michael and Jeanette Sparks with his family by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three  years,  Agnes, his nine children and their spouses,  Stephen (Denise), Jeanette (Michael Sparks), Theresa (August Zuno), Christian (Irene), Anne Catherine (John Burns), Michael (Sarah), Mary Agnes (Timothy Lapka), Fr. Augustine O.S.B., and Joseph (Suchada), forty grandchildren; four siblings, Elaine DeRosa, Alexandria (William Hludzinski), Walter, and Joseph (Janice);  sister-in-laws,  Mary Higgins, Dianne Arleth, brother-in-law, James  Arleth (Judith); many beloved neices and nephews and godchildren; his dear friend, Cheryl Byrne, and her four children, Robert (Laura), Bernadette Rowe (Douglas), Joseph (Kelly), and Christopher (Joanna) and her nine grandchildren.

Stephen was a graduate of North Catholic High School and LaSalle University. He was a member of the ROTC and served six years in the Army Reserves. He worked as an accountant for the IRS, auditing non-profit organizations. This thirty year, full time career was supplemented by employment of fifty years with A&P/Superfresh foodmarkets.

Stephen’s three great loves in life were his faith (Roman Catholic), his family, and his country. Zeal for truth and the love and care of his family were his top priorities. This zeal was the drive for everything he did in his life. Stephen’s motives in life were clear, as he would often say, “God first, then family, and then country.” Those who truly knew him knew that he did all out of duty with unquestionable love and fidelity towards these three things.

 Family and friends will remember the big hearted Ukrainian, gala picnics (serving as the steady pitcher for softball games), Christmas parties, day trips to the Jersey Shore, side-splitting laughter at Abbot and Costello, Sid Caesar, and Red Skeleton, listening to Joe Brady and Ed Hurst on WPEN, and a helping hand and home to those in need.Those who knew him will always treasure his memory.

A viewing will be held Friday, August 21, 2015  from 9-10:45 at St. Jude RC Church, 1402 Tenth St.,Eddystone, PA, 19022, where  Requiem Mass will begin at 11 am. Christian Burial will follow in St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, 438 Cedar Rd., Elkins Park, PA. 19027

In lieu of flowers, donations for Gregorian Masses for the repose of the soul of Stephen may be made out to the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe and mailed to Agnes Melnick at 1666 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062.

August 18, 2021
August 18, 2021
My how the years go by the tears of loss are yet not dry our hearts ache with a mournful sigh too soon we were asked to say goodbye. How comes it is with the loss of one leaves the world a bit undone a loyal Roman Catholic son you modeled well for everyone. Tis right you're " hard truths" you did share for those who would listen and did care though many still are unaware of the infernal's Mortal snare. For certain now those truths reveal a need for faithful to appeal to God's own MOTHER and Her Son beg Mercy from the Glorious one. We think often and we pray of your life you gave each day. Each Soul was precious in your sight you always strived to do what's right. A great example you did give to walk with God and how to live.
... so very fortunate to have known this man and his family and Marvel at the continuing Legacy he left behind. He tended his garden admirably and by his fruits you know him.
With love and admiration, Leo Fitzsimmons
August 15, 2021
August 15, 2021
Dear Mr. Melnick, My name is Audrey, we have never met.
Today is the feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I attended a special mass for you and was told this is this is the anniversary of when you departed this world. I was moved to tears knowing behind me was your beautiful daughter JEAnette and your son in law Mike singing their hearts out. Your wife was beaming and was thanking one or more of your grandkids for serving Mass. There was an extra helping of love in the air and I felt it. You must have been a wonderful man, I can see that your family is full of love and compassion and of deep Faith. I know first hand because they formed a circle of love around my family and walked with us through hard times. God bless Your Sir and all of your beautiful family.
July 8, 2017
July 8, 2017
Happy Birthday Dad. There's not a day I don't think of you and all you did for me in this life. Now that I am a husband and father, I appreciate it even more. And now, I understand more. I hope that I can do half the job you did. I miss you and I hope you are at peace with God, looking down on us now and still doing for us as our advocate in heaven.
July 9, 2016
July 9, 2016
I can't believe it almost a year that Steve is gone. Think of him often I especially think of his laugh and certain things that he said. Hoping he is at peace and with the Lord...
August 21, 2015
August 21, 2015
Dear Aunt Aggie and all of my dear cousins,
 The above tribute about his life is beautiful. I miss him so much and wish his body would have been stronger to fight so he could still be with you all. Sending my love and prayers to you all.
Love, Jenny
August 19, 2015
August 19, 2015
To Steve, my brother, whom I will miss very much. I know you are at peace and free of pain now, for that I am Thankful. Although we were many years apart we were able to respect each others differences and still remain friends through the end. I have you in my prayers always and will continue to do so. Love Alex

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Recent Tributes
August 18, 2021
August 18, 2021
My how the years go by the tears of loss are yet not dry our hearts ache with a mournful sigh too soon we were asked to say goodbye. How comes it is with the loss of one leaves the world a bit undone a loyal Roman Catholic son you modeled well for everyone. Tis right you're " hard truths" you did share for those who would listen and did care though many still are unaware of the infernal's Mortal snare. For certain now those truths reveal a need for faithful to appeal to God's own MOTHER and Her Son beg Mercy from the Glorious one. We think often and we pray of your life you gave each day. Each Soul was precious in your sight you always strived to do what's right. A great example you did give to walk with God and how to live.
... so very fortunate to have known this man and his family and Marvel at the continuing Legacy he left behind. He tended his garden admirably and by his fruits you know him.
With love and admiration, Leo Fitzsimmons
August 15, 2021
August 15, 2021
Dear Mr. Melnick, My name is Audrey, we have never met.
Today is the feast of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I attended a special mass for you and was told this is this is the anniversary of when you departed this world. I was moved to tears knowing behind me was your beautiful daughter JEAnette and your son in law Mike singing their hearts out. Your wife was beaming and was thanking one or more of your grandkids for serving Mass. There was an extra helping of love in the air and I felt it. You must have been a wonderful man, I can see that your family is full of love and compassion and of deep Faith. I know first hand because they formed a circle of love around my family and walked with us through hard times. God bless Your Sir and all of your beautiful family.
July 8, 2017
July 8, 2017
Happy Birthday Dad. There's not a day I don't think of you and all you did for me in this life. Now that I am a husband and father, I appreciate it even more. And now, I understand more. I hope that I can do half the job you did. I miss you and I hope you are at peace with God, looking down on us now and still doing for us as our advocate in heaven.
Recent stories
August 14, 2016

Thank you Dad for the life that you gave us. I can't think of a better testomonial to your memory than the legacy you left behind. Although you are not visibly present in this family picture, you were there. I see your presence in each and every one of your childrens' faces. When I look at their smiles, I see your smile. When I hear their laughter, I hear your laughter. When I see their love for life and their desire to share it with others, I see that it was put there by you. Your presence will forever be carried in our hearts. I love you for the man you were.

July 8, 2016
April 28, 2016


From great-niece, Katie Z., responding to me, Jeanette S.:

'So I got your email and listened to the recording of Uncle Steve, Aunt Aggie and you. That was so great,thank you for sharing that. I was thinking about how I don't have stories necessarily to tell about him just memories of things. Like him pitching the soft ball games and him cutting the grass in the retenion area which made me think of how much he did for all of us. What he gave us, he worked so hard to create a world for us that gave us such joy and happy memories. That is what I think of him anyway:)'

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