Ronald Melstein

Ronald Melstein, 95: Unconventional Entrepreneur, Beloved Father and Grandfather Ronald Melstein, 95, a longtime resident of Jackson Heights, Queens, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2025.
Ron was born January 26, 1930, to Nathan and Rose Melstein and raised in the Bronx's Pelham Parkway neighborhood. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Long Island University. He began his professional life as a teacher but, true to his self-described "unconventional" nature, left the classroom in 1958 to launch what was, at the time, a very unconventional business: Scientific Dating Services.
Long before swiping right became the norm, Ron used cards filled out with applicants' characteristics and preferences, along with early computer systems, to create romantic matches-a precursor to today's dating apps. While he never patented this matchmaking technology, his family joked that if he had, he might've become a wealthy "tech bro."
Ron's love of Cadillacs and oversized "boats" of cars was contagious. Some of his son Rob's earliest memories are of playing with Matchbox cars on the back of the couch and sitting on Ron's lap to "steer" a 1970-something Coupe de Ville down Northern Boulevard. To this day, Rob shares his passion for all things car-related and enjoys his own old Cadillac with family and friends.
Ron also had a knack for getting into places he probably shouldn't have-but always with heart and humor-from distributing dating cards at a Hamptons house party, to placing his son's business card on every table at a Waldorf Astoria ad agency convention (which actually led to a job offer for Rob), to appearing uninvited-and undeterred-on stage during a 1962 live broadcast of What's My Line? to promote his business.
A man of quirks and routines, Ron was also known for jogging-every single day-at Flushing Meadows Corona Park well into his 80s. He also loved food with a passion.
Ron was equally bold in his affection for his only grandchild, Max. Whether playing Candy Land, tossing a ball every time Max would visit-even toward the end of his life-or listening to Max play violin, the bond between them was joyful. One of Ron's favorite ball-related stories to share with Max was about the time he (again, unconventionally) walked into a New York Yankees open tryout as a possible left-handed pitcher. He didn't make the team, but the story-and his spirit-stuck.
Ron is survived by his son Robert (wife Jenifer) and his grandson Max of Ossining, NY; his loving friend and caregiver of more than 40 years, Debra; his sisters Brenda, Melinda, and Stephanie; and his nephew Ted. He was predeceased by his sister Joyce, his grandparents Max and Rose and Max and Dora, and his parents, Nathan and Rose, all of blessed memory.
The funeral is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. Funeral location and shiva information can be requested from John G. Crawford Memorial Services.
Donations in Ron's memory can be made to the International OCD Foundation, Selfhelp Community Services, in support of the Northridge/Southridge Queens Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), or the Rose Melstein Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women.