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Gary M. Melson age 67, of West Deptford passed away Monday, June 24, 2019 at Jefferson Hospital at Washington Township.
Gary grew up in Mantua and enjoyed playing sports with his neighborhood friends. As he got older he enjoyed coaching sports, bowling, playing cards, drinking beer, hanging out with friends, listening to country music and taking long drives on back roads. He also ventured to many race tracks and enjoyed attending stock car races with his buddies.
Gary was a hard worker and dedicated employee at Interpac (formerly Teledyne) for 30 years and made many friends while working there.
He had a good sense of humor and taught us all not to take life too seriously. Gary loved putting smiles on everyone's faces and was often the life of the party.
He was one of the good guys, a great friend and a loving husband, a supportive father and proud grandfather. Gary felt truly blessed being surrounded by his family and friends. He had quite a few nicknames, but Gator, Dad, Uncle and Pop-Pop were his favorites. And although he didn't have any siblings, he was a great big brother to his sister-in-law and had loyal, lifetime friends, who were his brothers, his family.
Sundays were spent with family watching football and goofy sci-fi movies. He loved spoiling his grandchildren and niece, and was looking forward to meeting his great-granddaughter.
He really liked picking out Christmas gifts for everyone every year, even if he did try to say he was the Grinch. And even though he always said "no balloons" I think he secretly liked getting them.
Gary will be missed by the many people he loved and the lives he touched. Please honor him by raising your glass and remembering all the wonderful memories you have of him. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in his name.
Husband of Alicia Melson (nee Crothers); also survived by daughter, Justina Ocejo (Ray); two grandchildren, Sierra Murphy (Arron Thompson) and Nicole Shisler; mother-in-law, Peggy Crothers; sister-in-law, Gina Peidl (Tony); and niece, Stephanie Peidl. He was predeceased by his mother, Cora; his father, Aquilla; his step-father, Richard; and his son, Gary M. Melson, Jr.
Family and Friends are invited to visit from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. Memorial Service will be held at 7:30 pm. Cremation will be private.