Leonard M. "Chris" Melley

Leonard M. "Chris" Melley, 88, a devoted educator, community volunteer, and beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his home at Southampton Estates in Southampton, PA.
Mr. Melley dedicated more than three decades to the Neshaminy School District, retiring in 1993 after 34 years of teaching. He served with distinction as Science Department Chair at both Neshaminy Maple Point High School (1976–1982) and Neshaminy High School (1982–1993), where he was known for his leadership, deep subject knowledge, and genuine care for students and colleagues alike. He also shared his passion for science education as an adjunct faculty member at Trenton State College for seven years.
Born and raised in Coaldale, Schuylkill County, Mr. Melley was a graduate of Coaldale High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Science Education, with majors in both Biology and Chemistry, from Millersville State College. He later earned master's degrees in Biology from Syracuse University and in Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and pursued additional graduate work at the University of Colorado and other institutions.
A man of quiet faith and service, Mr. Melley was a longtime communicant of the Church of St. Andrew in Newtown, PA. In retirement, he continued his lifelong commitment to helping others by volunteering for over 20 years at St. Francis Inn, a Franciscan soup kitchen serving the homeless and poor in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. He also generously gave his time teaching English as a Second Language to adults in Bucks County.
Mr. Melley was predeceased by his beloved wife of 36 years, Elaine Turner Melley, also a dedicated Neshaminy teacher, who passed away in 1999. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Leonard J. and Dorothy Wahl Melley.
He is survived by his two loving children: Dr. Brian C. Melley and his wife Diane of Ambler, PA, and Janine Napoletano and her husband Dr. Mario of Doylestown, PA. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Lauren and Lindsay Melley, and Elena and Ava Napoletano. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Dorothy Erickson of Essex, CT, and Jean Marie Toth of Red Bank, NJ.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mr. Melley's memory be made to St. Francis Inn, online at or by mail to P.O. Box 3746, Philadelphia, PA 19125.