Michael Edward Mellon

He leaves his wife Sarah; his son Salim Bohsali and his wife Christele Semaille; his daughter, Amelia Persaud and her husband Cecil Persaud; his Grandchildren Kalila, Mahalia, Ava, and Amani; his Sisters Joan Mellon-Zoppi and Kathleen Sauerzopf and their beautiful families, as well as an extensive array of family and friends who enriched his life by being a part of it.

Michael, the son of Mary and Joseph Mellon, was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and was the older brother of sisters Joan and Kathleen. Although they moved from Scranton, a huge family and a part of his heart always remained. Summers as a kid and late nights on the town ending with early mornings at Chick’s Diner were memories he loved to share.

He served in the U.S. Navy in the Seabees Unit after which he attended the University of Maryland. Honor, loyalty, and honesty, qualities that were naturally a part of his being, were all even more formed by his time serving our country.

Life later found him at Springhill Lake Apartments in Greenbelt MD where he met and fell in love with Sarah and Salim Bohsali. In 1978 Michael, Sarah and Salim were united as a family and welcomed Amelia in 1981. Michael was happiest when he was spending time with his family sharing his love of golf, music, history, cooking, old time radio, reading, and so much more. The joy and dedication to his family was his core and continued through the rest of his life.

Michael worked for the United Stated Postal Service for 38 years. Many of those years were spent working the night shift with an incredible group of people with whom he is still close to this day. Ravens games and breakfasts with pals continued long after he retired in 2014, highlights always when they occurred.

Just like with his own children, nothing brought more joy to his life than becoming Poppie Michael to Kalila, Mahalia, Ava and Amani. He came into his own when becoming the silly, adventurous, loving, involved Poppie that we all knew. His heart and being Poppie was limitless; the title of “Poppie” became his state of being, welcoming all and loving those around him. To say that “Poppie Michael”was loved and adored by his grandchildren would be an understatement.

Upon Retirement Michael discovered new opportunities as a Bus Driver for Woodlawn Motor Coach where he found such joy and fulfillment with all of the children he was so fortunate to have known. He quickly became a favorite driver for his Friday gum and donuts surprises that all the kids loved.

He spent the last few years of his life truly living and exploring things that made him happy. Meet up groups for hikes, salsa dancing, guitar lessons, his most beloved bowling league were all favorites. This became such a special time as well with his beloved Sarah, time for just them to cook, travel, and just enjoy the life that they created with their 38 years together.

When looking back at a lifetime and trying to sum up the man who was “Poppie” Michael Mellon, he was a Good Man, kind, patient, loving, funny and quietly generous. He was truly one of the Best Men that anyone would have been honored and lucky to know.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045 on Saturday, November 26th from 2 to 4pm, where Funeral Services will follow at 4:00pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org