Dr. Rudy Melfi

Dr. Rudy Melfi, age 92 of Columbus, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022. Rudy was born and raised in Columbus, son of the late Joseph and Antoinette (D’Aiuto) Melfi. Also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat Melfi, son, Eric Melfi, daughter, Nanci Stradley, and siblings, Carmella Schmalstig, Lucille Orendorff, Millard Melfi, John Melfi, Jane Lorainy, Angie Marconi, and Steve Melfi. Rudy graduated from Central High School and was a proud US Air Force Veteran. In 1957 Rudy graduated from Ohio State Univeristy Dental School and went on to receive his Masters and PhD. He then became a Professor with The Ohio State University at the College of Dentistry where he retired in 2021 at the age of 91. He enjoyed reading, writing, gardening, and research, but teaching was his true passion. He loved working with students and would go out of his way to help teach and mentor them. He will be greatly missed by his son, Mitch (Debbie) Melfi and Amy (Michael) Stahr; grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle) Melfi, Matthew (Meghan) Melfi, Andrew Melfi, Alyson (Eric Rice) Melfi, Jonathan Melfi, Erica Hasburg, Shane Stradley, Shelbie Stahr, and Nicholas Stahr; great grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, Quinn, Eliza, August, and Emmerson; brother, Mike Melfi; sister, Joanne Krug; and many other extended family members and dear friends. Family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. Monday, July 25, 2022 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel, located on the grounds of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 6440 S. High St., Lockbourne, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rudy C. Melfi, DDS, MS, PhD Dental Students Scholarship Fund, c/o The Ohio State University Foundation.