Mel was born on January 26, 1943, in Greenville, South Carolina to Harry and Dorothy Fay. His family relocated to Beverly Hills in 1953. Mel was bar mitzvahed, at the age of 13, at B’nai David-Judea Congregation in Los Angeles.
Mel attended Rodeo Jr. High and Beverly Hills High School, class of 1960. As a talented athlete, he was recognized for his accomplishments in track and field and football, earning multiple accolades. Known for his sportsmanship, his peers unanimously elected him as recipient of the distinguished Blanket Award. He valued his friendships with classmates and colleagues, maintaining many life-long ties.
In the fall of 1960, Mel attended Antelope Valley Jr. College, receiving an athletic scholarship to the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. After a change of heart, he returned to Beverly Hills and enlisted in the Army Reserves. Upon completion of basic training at Fort Ord in 1961, Mel then served six months active duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where fellow soldiers selected him as squad leader. He also received a commendation with a rating of superior from his commanding officer and subsequently served in the active reserve until he was honorably discharged on December 28, 1968.
Mel worked at the See’s Candies warehouse for ten years and thereafter earned his Associate in Arts Degree at Los Angeles Valley College. He was appointed to the Dean’s List twice and graduated Cum Laude in 1974. He then attended Cal State Northridge for one year and thereafter pursued a career in law enforcement.
On October 24, 1977, Mel was hired by the Kings County Sheriff’s Department in Hanford, California. He completed the Basic Correctional Academy at Fresno City College in 1978, was voted leader by his classmates and received numerous awards at graduation. Mel remained in Kings County for a year after obtaining his advanced P.O.S.T. certificate. Desiring to be closer to his son, David, Mel was laterally hired by the San Diego County Marshal’s Department in 1979.
In 1982, Mel was assigned to coordinate the custody holding area after the Marshal’s Department acquired all court-related services. Mel continued working in the holding area for six years, and was transferred to juvenile court, dependency hearings. During his career, he also conducted background investigations, performed plainclothes assignments and mentored trainees.
Mel met the love of his life, Terry, in 1990, while assigned to Family Court. They were married by Commissioner Clements on April 1, 1994, and continued working together until retiring in 2002.
On January 1, 2000, the departments of the Marshal and Sheriff consolidated, where Mel remained at the downtown family court, as a courtroom deputy. He was admired and respected for his professionalism, exemplary work ethic and fairness to all parties, receiving written praises from attorneys and litigants.
Prior to his injury, the highlight of Mel’s day was a four-mile walk with his dog, Sonny. He loved riding his motorcycle, driving his sports car and shopping on e-bay. He was an avid watch, gun and knife collector and cherished going to movies/concerts, reading and listening to music. He also enjoyed watching football, women’s college softball tournaments, boxing and UFC events. He was devoted to his family and friends and delighted in going on cruises and gathering with relatives on special occasions. He was a charismatic, fun-loving prankster, with a roaring laugh, and was adored by all for his unique sense of humor (classic Mel). Known for his generosity and gentle southern charm, he always lit up the room and will be deeply missed. As Mel would say, “TTFN” (ta ta for now).
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Dorothy Fay and is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Terry; sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Howard Landesman; niece, Lori Landesman; son, David Fay and wife Jessica, grandchildren, Kacee, Wyatt and Elijah Fay; step children, Michael Ball; Lori Magdaleno and husband Ed; Julie Allen and husband Todd; step-grandchildren, Adrianna, Kayli, and Tommy Magdaleno, Kate and Jake Allen; step great-children Brody and Camella (Melly); and many beloved cousins, extended relatives and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Singing Hills, Memorial Park, 2800 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, California. Reception to follow.
Our family wishes to thank the many physicians and medical professionals for their dedication and expertise in caring for Mel, especially during the last five years.
To offer your condolences, please donate to the charity of your choice in Melvin J. Fay’s honor.
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