L. Thomas Melly

L. Thomas Melly
L. Thomas Melly, 94, of Sarasota, FL, passed away at home before dawn on Saturday, December 28th, 2024.
He was born in New York City to his parents Lee Thomas Melly of Bronxville, NY, and Ruth D'Aran Melly of Short Hills, NJ. Raised in Short Hills, Tom was deeply influenced by both his father's seven years of unemployment during the Depression, and his mother's death when Tom was just 11, following her long struggle with cancer. Tom, and his older sister Ann, pressed forward to later realize extraordinary personal success and achievement built on a foundation of the generosity of extended family and friends, luck and shear tenacity.
Tom is survived by his second wife Judy Hershey Melly, and her children Eric (and his wife Jackie, and her daughters Jessica and Samantha), and Lisa (and her husband Dave, and their daughters Marissa and Vanessa). Tom is predeceased by his first wife Alice Pack Melly, and they are survived by their son Tom (and his wife Brooks and their three children Tom, Caroline, and Madeline), their daughter Laura Melly, their son Lee (and wife Trish), and son David (and his wife Erica, and their son Liam). Tom graduated from The Hill School (PA), and Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY), where he received a degree in economics. He then served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant, and later earned an MBA from New York University's Leonard Stern School of Business.
Tom's career flowed from American Cyanamid to General Reinsurance Corp., and on to the odd-lot brokerage DeCoppet and Doremus, where he served as senior associate broker. He became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1959. In 1968 he joined Goldman Sachs & Co. as their 20th partner, and head of floor trading operations. He concurrently served on the board of arbitration for the New York Stock Exchange. Tom left Goldman Sachs in 1984 to spend time with his beloved sister Ann, who later died of cancer at age 59. Ann had her own remarkable ascendant story that carried her from Wellesley College and Cornell Medical School to a career in microbiological research and teaching at Vanderbilt University (TN), where she earned her PhD. Tom credited his own success to a combination of luck and education, and he devoted much of his life to educational and community service organizations. He joined the board of directors at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1981, served as chairman from 1987-1997, and was awarded numerous honors for his transformative contributions to the colleges. He was the only person to be named Trustee Chairman Emeritus there and was active in that role to the very end of his life. He also worked nationally to advance higher education as a board member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, serving as their chairman from 2006-2007.
Tom also served on the boards of The Greenwich Health Association, and The Family Centers, including chairmanships at both, as well as board member of the United Way of Greenwich, the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service, Outward Bound, USA, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Tom was a member of many clubs during his lifetime, including The Meadows Country Club, The Mill Reef Club, The University Club, The Round Hill Club, Bald Peak Colony Club, Indian Harbor Yacht Club, Greenwich Field Club, Riverside Yacht Club, and New York Racquet Club.
Tom was an athlete who had a passion for any form of competition. He and Alice were accomplished sailors who raced locally and cruised many parts of the world. He enjoyed squash and tennis and became an avid golfer in his retirement. Tom was remarkably well-traveled, and he and Judy especially loved expeditionary scientific and educational adventures. Tom was gregarious, and a loyal lifelong friend to many. And he loved both his immediate and extended families.
Tom was also tough and resilient. He endured and overcame many serious health issues throughout his life, yet he always managed to live in the present moment. He was an active investor, Missouri farmer (taught by Judy), and philanthropist to the very end.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8th, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. A link to a livestream webcast of the service will be available on the church's website (https://firstpressarasota.org). Contributions in Tom's memory may be made to Hobart and William Smith Colleges - L. Thomas Melly Scholarship in the notation line - 300 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY 14458.