Nicholas Mellas

MELLAS, Nicholas, 76, of Park Ridge, NJ passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 7, 2013, surrounded by his family. Born August 21, 1937 in New York City, he was a resident of Park Ridge, NJ for more than 40 years. Nick served as a trustee for the Park Ridge Little League and was an active participant in the town's athletic programs as coach and sponsor of recreational teams. Upon graduating from Charles Evan Hughes High School, he served in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he founded Regent Trucking in 1962, which continues to operate to this day.

Nick ("Poppy" to his grandchildren) is survived by his wife and constant companion of 53 years, Mary (McCreesh), his three sons, Stephen and his wife Trish of Wyckoff, Nicholas and his wife Ann Marie of New Fairfield, CT, and Greg and his wife Renée of New Canaan, CT, and six grandchildren, Connor, Morgan, Nick, Lauren, Gavin, and Brooke.

Always the life of the party, Nick's family and friends adored him for his natural affability, unwavering kindness, quick wit, and ability to strike up a conversation with everyone he encountered. A constant presence at his grandchildren's soccer, softball, football, baseball, and basketball games for years, Nick was devoted to, and proud of, his family. He strove to attend graduations, school events, games, or ceremonies of any kind, regardless of their magnitude. Nick will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

The family will receive friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ (becker-funeralhome.com), on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge, NJ on Friday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montefiore Medical Center, Office of Development, 111 East 210 Street, Bronx, NY 10467 in the name of Nicholas Mellas.