Melvin Gordon

Melvin Gordon passed away peacefully mid-afternoon Wednesday February 8th, 2024, with his loving family at his side. He passed in his home which he purchased in 1969 to raise his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him. He was 84 years old.

Mel was fortunate to have spent only 2 weeks in the hospital, where he battled a combination of medical challenges. He was on Hospice at home for only 2 and a half days, with extraordinary care given by his caregiver Adlin and the Homewatch caregiver team.

He was born in the Bronx on March 2nd, 1939. Mel accomplished a variety of things in his life. He wrote for Candid Camera, wrote and sang songs on 2 records, including “Television is Driving Me Mad” and “Bitter.” Mel completed his education and received a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from City College of NY on February 1st, 1961. As a member of ROTC at CCNY, he later transitioned into the Army Signal Corps School and served honorably as First Lieutenant until his discharge on June 8th 1963. He tried out for the New York Yankees, but opted to enter the workforce instead. Mel worked as a Manager for NY Telephone for over 30 years, a tribute to his knowledge and commitment to his work and the drive to support his family.

Mel’s fondest memories were those of his “army days”. He was also a fierce softball coach and blackjack player, often visiting Atlantic City and Point Pleasant with his wife, Ruth. Mel loved music, often choosing to play records on his old record player, instead of the modern day CD player. He was a fierce Yankee fan, whose support didn’t waiver even during a losing season.

Expecting their first child in 1967, Ruth and Mel left their one bedroom Brooklyn apartment, and moved to Sayreville, where they remained for over 50 years and raised their children, Paul and Lisa. There wasn’t a softball or baseball game Mel didn’t attend. He rushed home from his job in NYC in order to attend each and every game his children played. He coached Paul and Lisa as they grew, and went on to win multiple Mayor’s Trophy Tournaments for Lisa. He cherished every season, and every win. One of Mel’s greatest joys was to provide his children with the tools for success and share in their accomplishments.

Mel is survived by his wife Ruth, his son Paul, his daughter Lisa, and his son in law Josh. He has 2 grandchildren – Ava Rose (9) and Ana Grace (7).

During Mel’s brief hospitalization, he often expressed a strong will to live, and continued to inquire about the well-being of the rest of his family and friends. Dr. Carson, Mel’s primary care physician who considered Mel a friend, came to visit twice, followed by multiple calls to Ruth, despite not being part of the health care team at the time.

Mel was above all else, a family man. He was happiest close to home in the company of family and friends closest to him. He was generous, and always put family first. His integrity and strength will forever be in our memory. We reflect on the words of General Patton, a character Mel often referenced: It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died, rather we should thank God that such men lived…….

Funeral Services will be held at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 1:00pm.

The Period of Mourning will be observed at the Gordon Residence Thursday after the service until 7:00 PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday:2:00-4:00 PM, 5:00-7:00PM.

Donations in Melvin's memory may be made to either the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.