Michael G. Melas M.D.

Melas, Michael G. M.D. ALBANY Dr. Michael G. Melas passed away peacefully at the Daughter's of Sarah Nursing Home in Albany, on January 22, 2013, after a long illness. He was born on October 25, 1925 to the late George and Eugenia Melas. Raised in Albany, he attended Albany High School. After graduating in 1943, he went into the United States Army, serving in Italy in the 10th Mountain Division, and received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and three Campaign Stars. He studied at Siena College and received a B.S. in biology in 1949. He then attended RPI in Troy, graduating with a M.S. in biology in 1951, where he was a Full Emeritus Member of Sigma Xi. He attended Albany Medical College where he received his doctor of medicine in 1955. He continued on as an intern, assistant resident, and chief resident in medicine through 1959. In 1959, he set up his medical practice in Albany, treating many generations of families, until 1990 when he retired from his practice. He served as president of the alumni association of Albany Medical College, as a member of the board of trustees at Albany Medical College, and as the area medical director for the NY Telephone Company. Dr. Melas served on the staff of Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital and Child's Hospital, and as associate clinical professor of Albany Medical College. He was instrumental in the formation of St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC.) He also served as chairman of the board of the Albany County Health Dept. and served as a county coroner. Dr. Melas was a lifelong member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. He served as president of the St. Sophia Parish Council a total of eight years, and served on the parish council for a total of over 25 years. Dr. Melas was a longtime member of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Committee of North and South America, a trustee of St. Basil's Orphanage, and a member of AHEPA. In addition, he served as the vice chairman of the founding committee of the St. Sophia Senior Citizens Apartments beginning in 1980, and has served on the board continuously in some capacity since that time. In 1972 Patriarch Athenagoras named him Archon Aktouarios, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a layman in the Greek Orthodox faith. An Archon is an honoree by His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, for his outstanding service to the church. In addition to his love for his church, Dr. Melas was an avid and enthusiastic member of the 10th Mountain Division Association. He volunteered for the McKownville Fire Department and the state police by providing physicals. He was a devoted physician who compassionately treated anyone who sought his help. He was a loving family man who cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Dr. Michael G. Melas is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane (Feist) Melas of Guilderland,; two children, son, George (Kari) of Delmar; and daughter, Andrea (James) Papandrea of Guilderland; four grandchildren, Trystan and Jesse Melas; Michelle and Matthew Papandrea. He is also survived by two sisters, Christine Marcklinger and Angeline Koutelis; sister-in-law, Ann Melas, Louise (Joseph) Phillips, Roberta Feist, many nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. He was previously deceased by his brother, Alexander; and sister, Irene; and his brothers-in-law William, John, Nicholas, and John. We would like to thank the staff of the Blue Unit at the Daughter's of Sarah Nursing Home for their caring, comfort and support during his illness. Calling hours will be Friday, January 25 from 4-8 p.m. at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY. A trisagion memorial service will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 26 at 10 a.m. at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Those who wish may donate to The Alzheimer's Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, Building 4, Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205 or to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Albany, N.Y. To leave the family an on-line condolence please visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.