William Stephen Meloy

Poland-William Stephen Meloy (Steve), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 2025.

Steve was born on March 3, 1936 in Orange, New Jersey to Esther Selby and William Taggert Meloy. He graduated from Maumee Country Day School in Maumee, Ohio (near his childhood home in Perrysburg) in 1954; Princeton University in 1958; and University of Michigan School of Law in 1961. While studying law, Steve met his sweetheart, Virginia Elizabeth Myers (Ginny), who was teaching elementary school in Ann Arbor after graduating from University of Michigan in 1958. Steve and Ginny eventually married on December 10, 1960. Steve served in the Ohio National Guard from 1958-1965.

Steve and Ginny moved to Poland, Ohio in 1965, bringing their joint love of the Michigan Wolverines deep into Buckeye country. Steve practiced law, and the couple raised three children: Elizabeth Selby Meloy (John Canavan) of Mesa, AZ; Mary Virginia Davies (Robert) of Chermingnon, Switzerland; and William Myers Meloy (Polly) of Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to his wife and children, Steve is survived by four grandchildren: Sophie Meloy, Virginia Davies, Nicholas Davies, and Grace Davies. He has also left two beloved felines, Sweetie Pie and Mr. Boots, in the care of his son Bill and his family.

Steve was a “Renaissance” man with enduring passions: history, art, dinghy sailing, Donald Duck, a mean backhand slice, all manner of antiques, and travel. His avid reading and book collecting were complemented by his love of local history and determination to preserve the historic sites and architecture of Poland. In 1985 Steve and Ginny began restoring the 1870s era Arrel House at 500 South Main Street. Steve’s vision was to create one of the first bed and breakfasts in northeast Ohio, ignoring perplexed reactions of naysayers. With his partner in crime, Ginny, they launched The Inn at the Green in 1986 which they lovingly operated until 2010. In 1995 Steve founded the Poland Preservation Society. While serving as President, he played an instrumental role in saving and restoring the Gothic revival house at 9 College Street. In 1997 Steve became involved with Town One Streetscapes’ projects to create Peterson Park and memorialize William McKinley’s birthplace near Bank One. Between 1975 and 1990 Steve served on the Mahoning County Arts Council and began collecting art. He loved Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings most of all, which he began acquiring on his annual trips to NYC, where he bunked in hostels, and frequented art auctions, theatre, and reveled in the buzz of the city. Adventurous family trips motored by typed itineraries packed with walks, bike rides and every sight possible have become legendary topics of conversation among his children and his late brother John’s sons, who were often persuaded to come along.

AA saved his life, and in turn he supported others. He became known at the meetings as ‘The Professor’ for his wisdom and philosophical commentary to the delight, most of the time, of his comrades.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 9:30 am until 10:45 am, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where a ceremony celebrating Steve’s life will follow at 11 am, with the Rev. Dr. Paul W. Anderson officiating. A lunch will follow at the Becker Family Center. 

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Inn at Glenellen and Patriot Hospice for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Steve's name to the Butler Institute of American Art by visiting www.butlerart.com/product/donations. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.