Andrew J. Melton Jr.

Andrew J. Melton Jr., 94, former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dean Witter died at his home in Tequesta, FL on October 15, 2014. Mr. Melton enjoyed a distinguished career on Wall Street. In 1946 he joined Smith Barney & Co. After 25 years with the firm he joined Dean Witter. In 1978 following the merger with Reynolds Securities Mr. Melton was named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive of Dean Witter Reynolds. After Sears, Roebuck and Company purchased Dean Witter Reynolds in 1981, he became Chairman of Dean Witter Funds, a position he held until 1992. Raised in Bay Shore, NY, Mr. Melton graduated from Villanova University in 1942. He was commissioned an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving in both the Pacific and Atlantic Campaigns during World War II. He was recalled to active duty in 1950 during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged from the Marine Reserves as a Major. Mr. Melton's engagement with the professional community included terms as President of the Investment Bankers Association and the Bond Club of New York. He also gave of his time and organizational talents to his local community. His positions included Commodore of the Bay Shore Yacht Club, President of the Southward Ho Country Club also in Bay Shore, N.Y. Since retirement he lived in Dorset, VT and Tequesta, FL. His greatest joy was following the activities of his very large family. The word patriarch describes his role and the respect he enjoyed. Mr. Melton was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Melton, as well as his five sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his loving companion, Barbara Fazio, and his eight children, Diana Melton Lemmen of Bremen, Germany; Andrew J. Melton III of New York, NY; Colonel Robert S. Melton, USMC (Ret) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Karen Melton Fox of West Palm Beach, FL; Marjorie Melton Field of Jupiter, FL; Sandra Melton Lessing of Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Michaelle Melton Stott of Riverside, CT; and, Edward L. Melton of Darien, CT. He is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 250 Center Street, Jupiter on Friday, October 17th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 12001 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound on Saturday, October 18th at 11:30 AM followed with military honors conducted by U.S. Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Patrick's School, 9 North Clinton Ave., Bay Shore, NY 11706.