John Stewart Melzer Jr.

John “Johnny” Stewart Melzer, Jr., of Hampton, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025 after a long illness. He was 78 years old.

John was a lifelong resident of the Fox Hill area of Hampton. His favorite home that he grew up in with his family was located on the water at Grandview Shores. He was a member of Wallace Memorial United Methodist Church in Fox Hill. A 1965 graduate of Kecoughtan High School, in his younger years, he worked at the Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown. Then, he moved on to work with C&P Telephone. John also served for some time as a volunteer firefighter for Station 5 in Fox Hill. 

John had a lifetime love of being on the water on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. His final and longest career was that of a commercial fisherman. He was a fourth generation waterman, and held extensive knowledge on the history of commercial fishing in Virginia and the species that inhabit the Bay. John could explain upcoming weather changes just by his observations of nature. He primarily crabbed out of the Back River in Hampton and later near the James River from Isle of Wight County. John harvested oysters for a time as well. He named his commercial fishing boat “Miss Wendy” after his daughter. His son, John William, learned how to make traditional crab pots, oyster tongs, and more from his father in order to preserve his father’s knowledge of the waterman trade. John instilled the importance of numerous traits in his children including integrity, honesty, respect, and a strong work ethic.

To John, his family was the most important part of his life. He leaves behind the love of his life, Connie Fox Melzer, who he was married to for 55 years. He deeply loved and was very proud of the accomplishments of his children, John William Melzer and Wendy Melzer Lucy. John loved his daughter-in-law, Rachel Carter Melzer, as if she were another daughter. John’s grandchildren, Lillian, John “Carter”, Samson, and Sadie, were his pride and joy that he adored so much. He was preceded in death by his father, John S. Melzer, Sr., his mother, Edna Johnson Melzer, and sister Janet Melzer Gwynn. In addition, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jesse A. Lucy, who he loved like an adopted son.

The family is grateful for the kindness and support that family, friends, and healthcare workers have shown them during this journey.