Michael G. Melas M.D.

Michael G. Melas M.D. obituary

Michael G. Melas M.D.

Michael Melas Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2013.
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.

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Sign Michael Melas's Guest Book

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January 28, 2013

Dorothy Dudo and family posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2013

Maeona Wakeman posted to the memorial.

January 26, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

Memory Eternal

Dorothy Dudo and family

January 28, 2013

Jane, George and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Dr Melas's passing. He also went to school with my father Nick, and was a fine family friend for many years. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal.
Dorothy Dudo, Peter Dudo, and family.

Maeona Wakeman

January 27, 2013

Dear Jane and Family,
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of your devoted husband, father and grandfather. Dr. Melas was our family doctor for more than two decades. He was more than a great family doctor as he was compassionate, caring and always took an interest in the well being of our family. He was instrumental in helping one of my sons get into Albany Medical College. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

January 26, 2013

Dear Jane and family,
I am sorry about lose. Dr. Melas as my Mothers doctor and mine also.
From Dolores Bachandouris

Mia & Peter Dallas

January 26, 2013

Our sincere condolences to you, Jane, and your family. May he rest in peace. He made many contributions in his life time for which he will be remembered. May his memory be eternal.

January 25, 2013

Jane,Andrea, and George,Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your families. Mike is at Peace and hopefully with this knowledge you will be too! Blessings to ALL! Tita and Larry Kelly Orlando,FL

January 25, 2013

Nannette and I are sorry to learn of Dr. Melas' death. You have our deepest sympathy. He was a great doctor and a good and gentle man.

Bernard and Nannette Ashe

January 25, 2013

Dear Jane and family,
Mike will always be our Class of '55 President. He was sensitive and sincere; a loyal supporter of AMC.
Jane and I send sincere condolences.
Joe Belsky

Marcia Aronowitz

January 25, 2013

Dear Jane and family,
All I can say is "What a great guy!' I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of all who knew him.
Marcia Aronowitz

Bessie Williams

January 24, 2013

To the family and friends of Dr. Melas,
my deepest sympathy.
He will be greatly missed. He did extraordinary work in his life time.

Sincerely,
Bessie Williams

January 24, 2013

our sincer condolences to the family.

John Raftogianis and Family

January 24, 2013

Or condolences to everyone. He was our doctor for many years. Great man. The Christou family. Lainie Evan Andreas and Arianna.

Jeannette Hall

January 24, 2013

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing.He had such a full life.

Marie Delores Takes

January 24, 2013

Dear Jane and Family,I was sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a good Friend and Doctor to all of my Family,especially to Spiro who loved Him like a brother, He will not be Forgotten. Sincere Condolences. Delores and Family

January 24, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I have many fine memories of our visits at his office, He was always full of energy and good advice to me and my Family,especially Spiro who loved him like a brother.
Condolences from me and my Family.
Marie Delores Takes

George, Karen , Christopher and Matthew Pappis

January 24, 2013

We remember Dr Melas so fondly throughout all of the decades that he and my Dad were best friends (from ages 6 and 8)- his love of, and devotion to, his church and to his family, his commitment to serve all through his medical practice- even those who could not afford the care, his diligence and his strength in everything he did. He will definitely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vasiliki Volkwein

January 24, 2013

Dear Jane and family,
Fred and I send our condolences. We remember Mike and you fondly from our years in Albany and at St. Sophia Church. Mike contributed significantly to his family, medical practice, church and community. Our best wishes to all of you.
Kiki and Fred Volkwein
Stamford, CT

Georgia Amanatides

January 24, 2013

I remember how all my Greek relatives would speak of Dr. Melas proudly as a Greek boy who succeeded in America.
As a child I vividly recall being taken to his office, by my father, when I was ill.
I can still see Dr. Melas, how energetic he was and how he made his patients feel relaxed as he attended to them.
My condolences to his family. Your husband/father/uncle/grandfather was much loved by so many.

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Sign Michael Melas's Guest Book

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January 28, 2013

Dorothy Dudo and family posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2013

Maeona Wakeman posted to the memorial.

January 26, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.