Alexander Joseph Melvan

When one describes Alexander Joseph Melvan (Alex), they now say he is a great loss to the world. He passed away peacefully in Westerly, Rhode Island on the morning of September 26 surrounded with love and compassion, or as he would simply have said "because he couldn't live any longer." He was born March 7, 1933, in Chicago, to Joseph and Julia Melvan the eldest of four sons followed by August, Jerome, and Ambrose all of whom predeceased him.

Alex grew up at Saint Joseph's Bohemian orphanage in Lyle, Illinois, during the Great Depression and he fondly told stories of children's hijinks, the nuns and their devotion to Christ, and actually receiving Christmas gifts, including an orange - a rare commodity at that time. He continued to grow up at the Croatian Children's Home in Des Plaines, Illinois before returning home to his father and graduating from Chicago Vocational High School. After graduation, Alex enlisted in the US Navy in 1952, honorably serving his country for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam. Near the end of his Naval career, while stationed in Groton, CT he met the love of his life, Christine Lis, and they shared more than 50 years of marriage before her passing in the summer of 2023.

Alex and Christine eventually settled down in North Stonington, CT. and later he retired as a painter for the state of Connecticut at Avery Point in 1997. He was extremely proud of his children: Nicholas Melvan and partner Tina Durfee, Maria Amaral and her husband George, and Mark Melvan and his wife Ayana, as well as grandchildren Natasha Amaral, Phoenix and Kingston Melvan, and 3 great-grandsons Elias, Joey George and Maxwell.

Alex was a man known for his wit, wisdom and unbridled sense of humor. Unfortunately, last year, he had to relinquish his love of biking and triking the busiest roads in southeastern Connecticut in search of aluminum cans for deposit. Luckily for his family, he didn't relinquish the one-liners. He charmed all who were fortunate enough to encounter him and was a humble man who was filled with joy and curiosity about the different people he met throughout his long life. Alex lived through the teachings of Christ, truly loving all despite their differences. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and acquaintances. Alex leaves a legacy following the true path Christ had laid out, which he accomplished with unrestricted humor and truthful dialogue, that he so lovingly and occasionally outrageously delivered. Rest in peace Alex, you leave lasting love and forever memories.

The family would like all who can attend to join us at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home in Westerly, RI on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 5pm - 7pm for calling hours and on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at RI Veteran Cemetery at 11am for the funeral services.