Joseph Melehan

1953 - 2022

Joseph Patrick Melehan 8/18/53-9/5/22The family of Joseph Melehan is heartbroken to announce his passing at Stanford Medical Center at the age of 69 on Labor Day. We honor his life, and no amount of time he was with us would have been enough.We were privileged to bear witness to his life, illness and death. He was married to his beloved wife, Celeste Martin Melehan for over 43 years, and together they enjoyed their marriage and life in Willow Glen. His precious children, Christopher Melehan and Julia Melehan Beaton also survive him, and he played an active role in their lives, showering them with unconditional love and support.He also leaves his daughter-in-law, Katherine Minor Melehan and his son-in-law Roberto Beaton III.In addition, he leaves 6 grandchildren in whose lives he was profoundly invested as their adored "Mamps". Other family members who cherish memories of him include his brothers, Jim and John Melehan, sister Maureen Melehan Machado, sisters-in-law Trish Melehan and Lisa Adamson, and brother-in-law John Machado. His extended family includes the O'Connells, Perruccis, and 8 nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children. In addition, he has numerous other relatives on both sides of the family.His parents were the late James Stock and Patricia Perrucci Melehan of Saratoga. His paternal great-great grandfather John Stock's family had arrived in San Jose, California in 1854 where they established The John Stock Sons Store and properties in downtown San Jose.Joe's maternal grandfather, JP Perrucci was founder of Mayfair Packing Co., a leader in the dried fruit industry when Santa Clara Valley was known as the "Valley of Hearts Delight".Joe was a graduate of St. Mary's Grammar School in Los Gatos, Bellarmine College Preparatory, and the University of Notre Dame. One of the highlights of those years was his sophomore year at ND when he studied at the Universidad de Anahuac in Mexico City. He enjoyed lifelong meaningful friendships from all of his schools.After he graduated from college in Indiana, he returned home to work in the family business. While that has evolved over the decades, he was still partners with family in many ventures until his passing.Joe was a committed volunteer and benefactor in the community for over 40 years. He is a past board member of Catholic Charities, TNT, History San Jose, and Preservation Action Council of San Jose, current Governor of the Board for Chaminade University in Hawaii, and a member of La Rinconada Country Club. He is a member of the California Pioneers, was a co-founder of the Fruit Cocktail Club, a member of the Presentation High School Parent Board, and helped coach his children's sports teams when they were young. He and his wife are parishioners at Transfiguration Parish. He was an unassuming but powerful role model to many. His wide-ranging passions included being an "Alfisti" (Alfa Romeo aficionado), a diehard Fighting Irish football fan, a proud schnauzer owner, a keen lifelong traveler and golf enthusiast. He was a medalist of both the Hunckler Trophy and the Father-Son tournament at La Rinconada.He preferred pencil and paper to computers, and file folders to the cloud. His family and friends will miss him, his patience, his tired jokes, loyalty, sense of humor, and the twinkle in his eye.The family is grateful for the medical and pastoral care he received at M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas and Stanford Medical Center.In his memory, if you are able, consider registering for Bethematch.org. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to either Bellarmine College Prep. (bcp.org)or Catholic Charities (ccscc.org) are greatly appreciated.A private committal service for family has been held. A Memorial mass will be held at Leontyne Chapel, Bellarmine College Prep. campus 960 W Hedding St. San Jose on Sunday October 9th at 11 am. Reception to follow at La Rinconada Country Club, Los Gatos.