Thomas ‘Murph’ Melvin, Sr.
OBITUARY
Thomas Murph Melvin Sr., a South Scranton resident his entire life, passed away Sunday May 24th, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Eleanor (Donovan) Melvin. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Vincent P. Melvin and Ida J. Andres. He proudly resided in the family home built in the early 1900 ‘s.
He was a 1957 graduate of St. Mary of the Assumption High School and was a member of St. Mary’s Church prior to its closing. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran.
He was employed most of his life as a railroad diesel mechanic and engineer for Conrail and Erie Lackawanna short lines. He worked long hard hours to provide for his family. After retirement he was employed as a parking lot attendant, where everyone knew his name.
Most mornings were spent with coffee and stories at his two favorite diners, Chick’s and Sharon’s, where he made great friends who watched out for him and enjoyed his company.
He was a great athlete and excelled in basketball and bowling. He was a well-liked youth baseball coach at Harmon Field. He enjoyed boxing in the ring as well as watching it on TV, along with golf. He also was a great dancer, winning a dance contest in his youth, and loved cars and songs from the 50’s. He was also the class clown of his high school class.
He was the unofficial mayor of Southside, knew everyone and was willing to help anyone in need, and was notorious for his mechanical skills.
Most of all he loved his family and would do anything for any of them. He was a loving Pop-Pop to his three grandchildren.
Surviving, along with his wife, are his four children, Cheryl Melvin Bordo, Dupont; Debbie Rodgers & spouse Tim, Downingtown, PA; Mimi Hickey, Luxembourg and Thomas Melvin Jr. Scranton.
Grandchildren: Ronan Hickey and Aislinn Hickey, Luxembourg and Aidan Rodgers, Downingtown, PA.
Preceding Thomas in death were his parents, brother Vincent Melvin Jr., an infant sister, Marlene, infant son, as well as parents-in-law Elizabeth (Garvey) Donovan and William C. Donovan Jr., brother-in-law, Paul Donovan and sister-in-law, Catherine Donovan Kerrigan.
Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Jane Melvin, Topeka, KS, Betty and George Wheeler, William Donovan Jr., Mary and Jack Rooney, all of Scranton, Alice and Mike Tracy, Dunmore, Barbara Donovan, Moosic, Jack and Linda Donovan, Kansas City, MO, numerous cousins, his 17 much loved nieces and nephews, and dear friend Susan Nichols.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 AM by Rev. Paul McDonnell O.S.J., Pastor, Divine Mercy Church, Davis St. Scranton. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Scranton. Friends may call Friday at the August J. Haas Funeral Home, 202 Pittston Ave., Scranton, from 5 to 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Thoma’s name.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.augusthaasfuneralhome.com
Thomas ‘Murph’ Melvin, Sr.
May 24, 2026