Gary Anthony Meloni Sr.

1940 - 2023

Gary Anthony Meloni, Sr. passed away on November 27, 2023, at age 83.

Born on October 31, 1940, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Gary spent his early years working (or playing) at his family's grocery store in Cardale, Pennsylvania. In high school, he was honored as an All-American football player.

In 1959, after being recruited by several Division I universities, Gary accepted a full athletic scholarship to Memphis State University. When asked, why Memphis? He always laughed, "they had the prettiest girls." Although Gary's football career at Memphis didn't go as planned, it was at the University that he met the "prettiest girl he had ever seen", Sandy Shanks Meloni. After dating for just two weeks, the young couple eloped at a chapel in Mississippi. When asked by their grandchildren where the chapel was located, neither could recall. It didn't matter because they were together on that day and for fifty-four wonderful years until her passing.

In 2017, Gary married his lifelong friend, Ann McCarthy Meloni, and they spent many happy days together, traveling across the country.

Gary spent decades coaching youth football in East Memphis, his positive impact fondly remembered by the men he coached. Gary was an avid golfer, a pastime he shared with his father, son, and grandsons. True to his Italian heritage, Gary loved to make "Meloni Italian Sausage" with his family. As an adopted son of Memphis, he also loved to smoke ribs and make his own bar-b-que sauce. Gary was known for his loving, kind, and accepting personality that always put people at ease.

Professionally, Gary owned and operated an architectural metal firm. He loved his job, his company, and his customers – never willing to retire and barely ever slowing down. Even after the countless jobs he completed, his favorites were always commissions for his children and grandchildren.

Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Meloni; daughter, Kim Meloni; mother, Nellie Meloni; father, Silvio Meloni; and brothers, Salvatore and Michael Meloni. He is survived by his wife, Ann Meloni; his son, Gary Meloni (Barbie); his daughter, Halle Meloni Whitlock (Derek); and his sister, Silvia Meloni. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 3863 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38112. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the Family asks for donations be made to Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust or the charity of your choice. https://www.memphisscholarships.org