Michael J. Melkonian

MONTPELIER - Michael Jay Melkonian, 54, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington. His family had been at his bedside.

Born Oct. 29, 1957, in Barre City, he was the son of the late Dr. Arsen Melkonian and Christine (Grout) Melkonian. Most of his life, he had resided in Montpelier.

Mike graduated from Spaulding High School, excelling in wrestling and won the Vermont State Championship in his weight class in his senior year. He received a full scholarship to Michigan State University and was a member of its wrestling team for all four years of eligibility.

He received a bachelor's degree in athletic training in 1980 and was awarded a master's degree in 1981, both from Michigan State University. Mike had also been an assistant coach of the Spaulding High School wrestling team.

At the time of his death he was a merchandiser at the Costco Warehouse Store at Taft Corners in Williston and will always be remembered as a valued and well-liked member of the staff.

Mike enjoyed a wide variety of sports and outdoor activities and was a die-hard New York Yankees baseball fan and longtime supporter of the Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals.

Survivors include his mother, Christine Melkonian, of Montpelier; sisters Kathi Brown, of Essex Junction, and Donna Melkonian, of Chicago, and brothers Gregory Melkonian, of Hopkinton, N.H., and Jeffrey Melkonian, of Ithaca, N.Y., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of his family at the North Branch Cemetery in Middlesex this spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, P.O. Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601-0687.

The Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, is assisting his family with the arrangements.