MELVIN OLKEN

OLKEN--Melvin Ira, age 91, of New York City and East Hampton, NY, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mel was born on May 5, 1934, to Miriam and Sam Olken in the Bronx, New York. Despite having spent most of his formative years in the stadium's shadow, not once did he root for the Yankees. Naturally curious and interested in everything, Mel was a proud product of New York City public schools, graduating from Stuyvesant High School and later City College. He was an accomplished electrical engineer, beginning his career at American Electric Power, followed by IEEE, where he became a Fellow in 1988 for his contributions to the innovative design of reliable generating stations. He later founded Power & Energy Magazine within IEEE's Power & Energy Society and served as its Editor-in-Chief. Mel was loyal and passionate about his family, his circle of friends -- who were considered family -- and his late grand-dog, Bo. A global traveler, days spent on East Hampton Main Beach and later Georgica were his favorite places to be. On his way out east, he enjoyed trips to Costco, complete with the requisite hot dogs, traditional mustard and onions only (please don't put ketchup on your hotdogs). His late in-laws, Barry and Lorraine Laighold, were on the short list of people he loved and adored. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ethel; his daughter, Rosanne; grandchildren Brandon and Molly; current grand-dog Bella; and beloved son-in-law Saaron Laighold, who successfully converted him into a University of Michigan fan. Spotting his grandkids playing in the schoolyard from 20 stories up was the highlight of his day. Donations of any size to their outstanding New York City public middle school in Mel's honor are deeply appreciated: JHS 104 Simon Baruch www.ms104.com/donate