Melvin Herman Van Vlack

Melvin Herman Van Vlack (Mel) lived a full 93 years. He was beloved by his very large family and friends. Born January 25th, 1933, to Pearl (Horton) Van Vlack and Kenneth Van Vlack, in Yorktown, New York. He grew up with his parents, older brother Kenny, and lots of cherished animals on a small family farm. He passed away in his sleep February 15th, 2026.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Radar Technician outside Seattle, Washington. He used the G.I. bill to earn a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, then a Masters of Electrical Engineering degree from New York University. Melvin worked for IBM under contract with NASA developing computers for The Apollo Moon Launches. During his career he also was at the forefront of fiber optic technology. Mel retired from The New York Stock Exchange with 25 years of service, most recently heading the Communications Technology Group.

Mel was a published author. He contributed to several textbooks on Electrical Engineering. He also had articles printed in "The Science Of The Mind" magazine.

He married Mary Jane (Griffith) Van Vlack in 1961 and together they had five children: David (deceased 2023), John of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kenneth of Stratford, Connecticut (married to Fundador Mendez), Stephen of Seoul, South Korea (married to Jo Jung Hye), and Maria Limato of Sunrise, Florida (married to Frank Limato). They were married 35 years until her death in 1996.

He then married Dorothy (Jenkins) Van Vlack in 1997. He was stepparent to her children William Linseman of Rapid City, South Dakota (married to Jade Linseman), and Dawne Linseman of Surfside Beach, South Carolina. He was "Pops" to their large families. They were married 27 years until her death in 2024.

Mel had great interest in many subjects, most notably science, history, culture, religion, and travel. He was a gifted storyteller, sharing stories of his life with great humor and insight. He helped family and friends whenever he could. His natural curiosity inspired him to visit many countries and live in many states after his retirement.

He kept his optimism, sense of humor, love of family, and strong belief in God and people his entire life.

He is greatly missed by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held July 11th, at noon at Christ Church, 2000 Main Street, Stratford, Connecticut, for all who may want to attend. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.