Dale Arthur Melikan

Dale Arthur Melikan, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022, at his home in Orleans. He was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Mathematics in 1961. He completed one year of graduate studies under a teaching fellowship. While in high school and college he played piano in dance bands and in small jazz groups.

He worked at GE and later United Technologies as a mathematical analyst responsible for the reliability of electronic systems used by NASA including guidance systems for the first moon landing. He taught adult courses in mathematics at GE. This laid the groundwork for his career as an educator and educative administrator. (Head of Upper School, St. Luke’s School, New Canaan, Connecticut 1966-1971) and (Headmaster, Long Ridge School, 1971- 1976) He served on the Board of Trustees for Long Ridge School for several years after retiring. He taught piano throughout his life.

He met Jan Allen, who was a professional singer, in 1974, and music became the focus of his life. Dale was an extraordinarily talented piano player. Though he often referred to himself as a “saloon player”, he performed and composed all types of music including commercial and industrial pieces, winning numerous awards for excellence. Jan and Dale joined their families in 1977.

As a duo, Jan and Dale touched the lives of countless people with their music. For 28 years they performed publicly and privately and created two albums of original and cover music. Based in Connecticut, they traveled throughout the United States for work.

In 2000, Dale and Jan moved to Cape Cod to be near Dale’s beloved Nauset Beach and their entertainment career took another turn as innkeepers at Isaiah Clark House in Brewster. From 2000 to 2007, they performed locally and for their guests, held wellness weekends and offered wedding and party venues. Dale often said it was the “hardest job he had ever done but the one he loved the best”. Being members of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, they participated in many local events. In subsequent years they performed for private parties and holiday events. Every year he enjoyed visits to Italy as well as trips to see family and friends in Connecticut.

Dale was a wise, patient, gentle man, who adored his family and made the world a little better for all who knew him. His wry sense of humor was spontaneous and brought smiles and laughter when least expected. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, he was the best kind of friend.

Dale was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Josephine, and his sister Marsha Kazior.

He is survived by Jan, his wife of 45 years, and his children: Beth Rojas (Mario), Lisa Erfe, Courtney Aninger (Alessio Rossi), Meryl Reed (Ben), and by grandchildren Brett, Maureen, Alexis, Hannah, Russell, Peter, Noah, Leo, Max, Zac, and great granddaughter Alys. He is also survived by his brother Mark Melikan and his dear friend and former wife, Meg Melikan.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster MA.

https://ccmnh.org/donate

Or Friends of the National Seashore.

https://www.fccns.org/donate

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com