Melvyn Pugliese

Melvyn J. Pugliese
February 16, 1938 – July 1, 2018

Melvyn J. Pugliese, 80, of Lake Havasu, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018 due to complications from heart surgery. Born in Vandergrift, PA February 16, 1938 to August and Lucy Pugliese, Mel is survived by his partner of 43 years, Ron Yingling, daughter Judy Kniss (Bob), son Brian (Reba), grandchildren Mandi, Nicholas, Jason, Jimmy, Kayla, Julia; sisters, Theresa Eggert, Elaine Marsilio, and dozens of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by brothers, Fred, Arnold, Richard, and Eugene; sisters, Roseanne Hileman and Esther Makowski.
Mel was a 1957 graduate of Vandergrift High School and earned his Bachelors of Science degree at Cal Poly Pomona. He resided in California after serving in the Army and moved to Arizona in 1987. Mel's spirit was never diminished by the fact he was a cancer survivor and had heart problems. He was determined to make things better for others. He spent his retirement volunteering. He championed the Lake Havasu AC Relay for Life, coached the Lake Havasu City Special Olympics Track and Field team, Co-founded the Havasu Hustlers Running Club and was a member of HEART. His tireless altruism, enthusiasm and compassion will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Leitz-Fraze Funeral Home, 21 Riviera Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ on August 4th at 3:00 pm. A memorial is also being planned for family and friend in Vandergrift, PA.