Mel is survived by his devoted partner of 40 years, Noreen Morrell of Long Beach Island, NJ and Naples, FL and her children, Kathleen O’Rourke, John Morrell, Michael Morrell, Kelly Reiss and her grandchildren, Emily Nigg, Jack Morrell Jr., Thomas Morrell, and Ryan Morrell; by his loving son and daughter-in-law, John and Ann Vay of Lago Vista, TX; by his cherished granddaughters, Lauren and Jaclyn Vay of Austin, TX; and by his former wife, Susan Vay of Lago Vista, TX. Mel was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Jessie Vay, and his younger brother, John Vay, of Montclair, NJ; and by his beloved daughter, Lisa Vay of Lake Hiawatha, NJ.
Mel was born in 1936 in Montclair, NJ. He was raised by his mother, Jessie following the untimely deaths of his father and only sibling. Mel attended Immaculate Conception High School and graduated from Montclair High School in 1954. He excelled at tennis and was a member of the 1953 high school boy’s state champion tennis team. As a young man, Mel was almost larger than life, and could be seen cruising the streets of Montclair in his black, convertible Ford Thunderbird.
Mel married in 1958 and had two children, John and Lisa. For many years, the family resided in Cedar Grove, NJ. Mel soon became a successful sales representative for W.W. Grainger, Inc. He retired from Grainger after 35 years of dedicated service. Mel was industrious, quick-witted, and gregarious—all characteristics of a great salesman. Wherever he went, Mel seemed to run into someone he knew, and always took the time to make new friends.
Mel thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. He was a member of the Pelican Bay tennis program in Naples, FL and the LBI Foundation in Loveladies, NJ. Mel was an avid sportsman and an accomplished bowler, tennis player, and golfer. For decades, he enjoyed playing in community bowling leagues, tennis tournaments, and golf matches. Mel was a serious competitor, but more importantly, he was a considerate and generous colleague who forged many enduring relationships. Mel unexpectedly passed away, doing what he loved, playing tennis and enjoying the companionship of friends. His ever-present smile, sense of humor, and genuine friendship will be missed by many people.
A memorial mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34108, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022. For persons not able to attend, the service will be streamed online at the church’s website (https://saintjohntheevangelist.com/events/online-funeral-mass-2). Internment of ashes will occur in the columbarium at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Upper Montclair, NJ, where Mel’s earthly remains will rest with those of his mother and daughter. A celebration of Mel’s life will be held in New Jersey on July 14, 2022 (Mel’s birthday). Further details will be posted online. The family respectfully requests, in lieu of flowers, any memorial donations be made in Mel’s name to the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts and Sciences (https://lbifoundation.org/support-us/), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, c/o Daniella Kerner, Executive Director, 120 Long Beach Boulevard, Loveladies, NJ 08008.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HodgesNaplesMG.com for Mel’s family and loved ones.
“Missing you is just my heart’s way of reminding me how much I love you.”
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