Born November 4, 1938 to the late Joesph and Alice Yanowski. Husband to the late Virginia (Jean) Yanowski
Sibling to the late JoAnn Alm and Sandy Carter
Stepfather to John and Karen Vassel. Papa to Eric, Angela Heather, Adeline, Delaney and Kole Salvador. Survived by brother-in-law Donald Eliott. Uncle to Michele Ward, David Alm, Shawna and Jay Carter. Cousin to Glen, Linda Diane, Pat and Larry. Mel was a MVP football player in high school. He joined the army after graduating high school and became a paratrooper. After the army he got a job at the Ford Wixom Plant and retired after 38 years. For 29 years he’s been unable to walk but that didn’t get him down he and Jean did a lot of traveling, and eventually bought a home in Naples Florida and spent 6 months escaping the winter months in Michigan. He’s been a warrior to all of us soldiering through so many health issues and never letting it get him down. The past nine years have been hard for him losing his beloved Jean but still remained strong. After putting up a good fight, God called him home. We thank him for all he’s done.
Funeral visitation will take place at Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church on December 19, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Military honors will be rendered at 12:00 p.m., and a luncheon will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church or to Optimal Care Hospice in memory of Melvin.
Memory Eternal
