Joseph R. Melson

Joseph R. Melson, 66, of Somonauk, formerly of Aurora, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago.

He was born June 4, 1959 in St. Charles IL, the youngest of Robert O. and Josephine M. (DiFazzio) Melson. Joe was a 1977 graduate of East Aurora High School. He held various jobs, but his last and longest was at Ed Hoy's International Art Glass & Supplies in Warrenville. He studied and was a Master of Tai Chi & the Shaolin Kung Fu forms of Martial Arts, being inducted Into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2008 as Illinois instructor of the year. Even after his health started to decline, he was determined to keep up with his training and regular exercises. He struggled for many years with diabetes and eventually dialysis. Joe was funny, witty and quietly very smart. He lived a disciplined life and was determined to live as well as possible for as long as possible, and he succeeded. His body gave out, but his spirit never did.

Joe is survived by nieces, Lisann Gambino and Stephanie Stiles, great nieces, Gianna DiFazzio and Sicily Gambino and great nephews, Trey and Giovanni Gambino. Joe is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Melson and her family, who welcomed and treated him as one of their own after his family was gone. His sense of humor and quirky personality will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his mother, Josephine (DiFazzio) Melson (1977), his father, Robert Melson (2009), sisters, Katherine (Melson) Zolper (1966) and Linda (Melson) Stiles (2003) and brother, Leon Melson (2000).

There will be no services at this time. Graveside services and burial at River Hills Memorial Park in Batavia will take place at a later date.

Any memorials may be directed to the charity/organization of the donor's choice. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

13160 W. Rt 34 ~ P.O. Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552

815-498-2363