MERLE D. MELITA

Merle D. Melita, 62, of Laurel Drive, died unexpectedly Saturday, February 6, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam, with her husband by her side. She was born in Amsterdam on July 11, 1947, a daughter of the late Gordon Camp and the late Doris (Galusha) Pike. Merle was a lifelong resident of the area and was a 1965 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She then went on to the Colonna Beauty School in Schenectady before working as a beautician at Classic Flare in Amsterdam. She then opened Merle's Beauty Salon, which she operated until the mid 1970s. Merle also worked at the former Gabay's Department Store in Amsterdam, Marco's Supply in Schenectady and also in the Assessor's Office at City Hall in Amsterdam in the late 1980s. Merle married Gregory J. Melita of Johnstown on July 31, 1971 at the former Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam. With her husband, Greg, as a career officer in the U.S. Army, she lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany, from 1983 to 1985, Presideo, San Francisco, CA from 1992 to 1993 and also in Alexandria, Virginia from 1993 to 1994. Faith was very strong in Merle's life, who was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. In 2007, Merle became a member of the First Baptist Church in Amsterdam. She was a true Christian and a "woman for all seasons" who had friends of every age group, gender and background and will be sadly missed by all whose lives she's touched. She was also an avid dog lover and will be sadly missed by her beloved poodle, Ruby. Her loving family includes her husband of over 38 years, Gregory J. Melita, Sr., Lt. Col., Ret., of Amsterdam; her sons, Shawn T. Murphy and companion, Yanira Kinney of Victorville, CA and Gregory J. Melita, Jr. of Amsterdam; her sister, Margaret G. Filiberto of Amsterdam; her grandchildren, Shawn G. Murphy, Meghan Murphy and Angelique Gonzalez, all of Victorville, CA; granddaughter, Amanda Murphy of Amsterdam; her mother-in-law, Wilma R. Vedder of Johnstown; and her father-in-law, Anthony J. Melita of Gloversville. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends also survive. In addition to her parents, Merle was predeceased by her stepfather, Albert Pike in 1964; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Filiberto in 1991. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010, at First Baptist Church, 479 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010, with Pastor Frank Galerie and Pastor Kenneth Bonnett, officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Contributions in Merle's memory may be made to Dr. Sheridan's Avon Breast Cancer Association, c/o the funeral home or the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Please visit the family's guestbook, online at www.brbsfuneral.com.