Richard Andrew "Dick, Dickey Duke" Mellick

Of Upper St. Clair, and Jupiter, Florida, was embraced by God on September 30, 2021. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosemary (Pelc) Mellick, and parents, Alice and Nicholas Mellick. He was the cherished father of Tammy (Steve) Engel and Rick (Cathy) Mellick; adored "Jidoo" of Michele, Ricky, and Christine Mellick, and Jake and Nikki Engel; sibling of Lori (Sam) Di Battista and step-sibling of Danny and Jeff (Karen) Valperga.

Dick was born in Pittsburgh's Hill District on August 5, 1937. He attended Miller Elementary School, where he skipped two grades as a result of his outstanding academic work. He also attended school in Dormont before moving to Bethel Park and graduating with honors at 15 from Bethel Park High School. Despite his young age and subsequent small size, he was a member of both the wrestling and baseball teams. He also strengthened his life-long affinity for music and singing as a member of the BPHS choir.

In 1954, he enrolled at Duquesne University where he pledged the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity. He would remain lifelong friends with his APD brothers and stay involved with the fraternity for his entire life. In 2005, he was appointed to the Duquesne University Greek Alumni Advisory council and in 2007 was inducted into the Order of Omega. He served as the APD National Historian and Teller of Tall Tales. He was incredibly proud to be a Duquesne Duke and have his son Rick, his granddaughters Michele and Nikki, and his grandson Ricky all follow in his footsteps

Dick was an avid music lover and singer. He performed in many talent shows, Greek sings, and musical plays before singing professionally. Dick and his musical group, "Dickie Duke and the Four Delts," were frequent performers at Benders Bar, the Bon Ange, and other clubs throughout Pittsburgh. After graduating, he attended Duquesne University School of Law. Richard also proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1965.

Richard worked for the United States Government Department of Defense, and his job took the family from Pittsburgh to Cleveland to Atlanta and finally back to Pittsburgh. After 22 years he left his government job and went to work at Mellon Bank where he was Vice President of the Information Management and Research Department. His outgoing personality and cheerful disposition earned him the nickname, "The Mayor of Mellon Bank". While working at Mellon Bank, he was also the owner of a popular South Hills retail store. The Men's Room (named by his 8- and 11-year-old children) was a clothing store that sold high-end designer suits at reasonable prices. Dick was just as happy selling suits to young men attending their first high school dance as he was selling suits to U.S. Senators. After retiring from Mellon Bank, he and his son opened Import Direct Oriental Rug Gallery in McMurray, PA. He worked there with his son from 1998 until 2007.

On October 6, 1962, he married the love of his life, Rosemary, and they had two children. They moved to Upper St. Clair in 1971, where Dick became an active member of the community. He coached little league baseball and football and was instrumental in establishing the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association. He and his wife were also the founders of the USC Parent, Teacher, Student Organization and they Co-Founded Upper St. Clair's Community Day.

Richard enjoyed traveling, and he and his wife made good use of the free flight privileges that went along with having a daughter who was a flight attendant. He traveled to Hawaii, Acapulco, the Virgin Islands and Moscow. In 1995, he purchased a second home in Jupiter, Florida. While there, he loved to work on his amazing tan, sing at the pool and be the condominium's official D.J. and spinner of the Oldies. He also became a valued member of the Oceancrest Roundtable, a group of residents who would get together daily to laugh, talk and figure out how to solve all of the world's problems.

Nothing made Dick happier than spending time with his family. With both his children also living in Upper St. Clair, he was able to do what he loved best: spoil his grandchildren. Not a day went by that he didn't see or talk to them. He never missed any of his children's or grandchildren's birthday parties, concerts, dance recitals or athletic events, even if it meant traveling across the country to watch a single game. He was a master storyteller who captivated friends and family with tales of his youthful hi-jinks, wise guys and the good old days.

In 2017, he was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer. Although the prognosis was grim, he was never one to give up without a fight or without a cigarette. Three years later, in August of 2020, he was told that he had run out of treatment options and was put on home hospice with two to three months to live. Defying all odds and medical science, he lived and enjoyed his life for another 13 months. On September 30, 2021, he decided it was time to be reunited with his wife and he will be buried on October 6th, their 59th wedding anniversary. Dick Mellick died as he lived, with his children by his side, bravely, gently and most definitely, his way.

Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends and Family are welcome at 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, 724-941-3211 on Tuesday 2-8PM, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11AM. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.