Meldon "Mel" K. Burke, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away Tuesday September 4, 2012 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. He was the son of the late Clarence and Dorothy (Knox) Burke.

Mel was born and educated in Monessen, PA, where he was a member of Junior Police while in the Boy Scouts. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific aboard the USS Savannah and USS Yorktown from 1941 until his honorable discharge in 1945, and among many other honors, he received a Presidential Citation for his service to the country. On June 27, 1946 he married Mary V. (Monaco) Burke at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mel worked as a store room clerk and as a crane operator for Hooker Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, NY for over 38 years. He was a member of the John Duke Senior Center in Niagara Falls, and along with his wife, enjoyed participating in their many senior trips. He also enjoyed bicycling and watching movies pertaining to military ships and planes. Most importantly, Mel enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his dear grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of sixty-six years, he is survived by a son, Thomas (Cathy) Burke and a daughter, Diane (Jerry) Veres, both of Niagara Falls, NY; three grandchildren Dana (Paul) Gerace, Dawn Veres, Kelly (Luke) Stephens; three great-grandchildren, Kiana and Amira Moore, Amelia Gerace, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Dr. Keith Burke and Dexter Burke.

Visitation Friday from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 8th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek, officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined and memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.