Gary Melody

Gary Dale Melody, 87, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born January 18, 1938, in Rapid City, SD, Gary had made Vermilion his home for the past eight years after moving from Florissant, Colorado.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Gary later enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. He was the owner and printer at the Great Divide Printing Co. for 13 years.

Gary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Vermilion, where he was a proclaimer and sang in the church choir. He was active in the Amherst Community Chorus, where he shared his love of singing, and was involved in numerous organizations including the Brownhelm Historical Society, the Gold Camp Victorian Society of Cripple Creek, CO, Smoking Guns, the JC's, Oldies with Goodies Hot Rod Club in Santa Barbara, CA, and the North Ridgeville Senior Center.

He was a former Boy Scout leader and had many passions, including building hot rods, doing radio and TV commercials, and commercial voice over's, he enjoyed bowling, singing karaoke, playing Mahjongg and poker, camping, and hiking.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife 44 years, Diane (nee Gnizak) Melody of Vermilion; his sons, Thomas (Terri) Melody of Vermilion, and James Patrick (Teresa) Melody of Shepherdsville, KY; grandchildren, Rachel Lynn Melody, John Lepard Melody, and Alisha (Gabe) Curtsinger; great-grandchildren, Adam, Aiden, Matthew and Olivia; step grandchildren, Zachary (Jennifer), Whitney, Domanique, and Benjamin; step great grandchildren, Jack, Elise and Alaina; his brother, Jack Melody of Littleton, CO; and half-sister, Carol June Melody.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Mildred Faye (née Mihills) Melody.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Prayers will be said at the funeral home on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. Interment will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, OH.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Ohio Division, Inc., 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.