Melvin Edward Billips

Melvin Edward Billips
New Hartford
Melvin Edward Billips, 56, of New Hartford, New York, passed away Monday, March 15, 2010, at his home. Melvin was born on March 21, 1953, in Pittsburgh, PA, at Magee Hospital, the son of Zora Billips and John Hazel. In his family, Melvin was known as the prankster, the one you could always depend on, and the one who was most likely to call before six in the morning. As a handyman, Melvin could fix absolutely anything. He earned an Associates Degree in Art from Colorado State University. While in Colorado, he worked tirelessly with the Wild Horse Program and was featured in a magazine article for his work. Melvin was once employed as a painter with Minge Builders Corporation in Cold Springs Harbor Long Island. He was partner with Jacqueline in their corporate cleaning business in Utica. Being skilled with his hands, he painted beautiful artwork which adorns the walls of many family members. Melvin loved God with all of his heart and considered Jesus his personal Lord and Savior. Surviving Melvin are his mother, Zora Mable Billips Ware, of Riverhead, NY; brother, Sheldon Billips and Aunt Anita Anderson, both of Kings Park, Long Island; Aunt Nina Billips of Niagara Falls; Aunt Irene Billips of New York City; long-time companion, Jacqueline Centolella, of New Hartford, NY; and a host of cousins from coast to coast. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica, with Melvins cousin, Minister Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire, officiating. Messages of sympathy at www.nunnandmcgrath.com