Jack Alvin Melander

1928 - 2016

Jack Alvin Melander BALLTON SPA - Jack Alvin Melander, 87, of Ballston Spa passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Ironically, he recently stated that he couldn’t believe a woman might win the presidential election within his lifetime. A recovering history buff, he was born on November 7, 1928 in Schenectady, New York. After moving to Ballston Spa as a child, he remained there until his death. In the early 1960’s, he was the President of Tufflite Plastics- which he founded with his parents and brother. After leaving Tufflite, he started multiple businesses in the area including Floral Fashions- located on Pleasant Street and a dish garden wholesale business. Due to his business savvy, he was able to fully retire in the late 1970’s. After that time, he could often be found in afternoons waving at passersby on Saratoga Avenue near the Old Knitting Mill where he offered housing to many people over the years. When picking a team for Trivial Pursuit, if you wanted to win, you picked Jack. He would correctly answer most questions, not even realizing that he was aware of the material. He loved New Orleans Jazz, Neil Diamond and Butter Pecan ice cream. One of his favorite movies was The Sting, from 1973 and starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. Prior to Jay Leno taking over, he and his mother loved to watch The Tonight Show- starring Johnny Carson. Due to his children, he had ties to the Florida Gators (Go Gators!) and followed their football schedule up until the end of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Evelyn Melander, brother Richard Melander and son Ricky Melander. He is survived by his brother, Carl Melander (Margaret), and children; Debbie Miller (David), Chris Melander, Jackie Aikens (Tom), David Melander, Sally Kobylinski (John) and Jenifer Harris (Pat). In addition, he had twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being handled by Armer Funeral Home. A memorial service is planned at Malta Ridge United Methodist- 729 Malta Ave at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 5, with a reception following at the Ballston Spa VFW.