Melvin "Mel" Wolkstein

Mel is survived by his children Andrew Irving Wolkstein and his wife Linda Zetter, Mindy Ellen Wolkstein and her husband Frank Giresi; his grandchildren Daniel Cliff Wolkstein, Lauren Meliss Wolkstein and her wife Sara Kiener; his three great grandchildren Liam Cliff, Maya Rose and Evelyn Sylvie along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mel was predeceased by his parents Irving and Mary Morris Wolkstein, his wife Sylvia Belkin Wolkstein, his brother Herbert (Sonny) Wolkstein, his sister Fay Wolkstein Karr and his daughter-in-law Barbara Ratliff Wolkstein.

Mel grew up in Newark, NJ. He graduated from Weequahic High School and began attending Newark College of Engineering (NJIT). His college days were interrupted by World War II. He attended the United States Navy Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Cornell University and became a Lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy as a Skipper on a Landing Craft Tank (LCT).

After the war he finished College and went on to Brooklyn Polytechnic (NYU School of Engineering and Science) for his Master’s in Chemical Engineering. He became an instructor at the Newark College of Engineering and taught chemical engineering plant design for 20 years.

Mel was President and Chief Engineer at Reach Associates, Inc., a firm he founded in 1971, where he continued to work until his passing.

Mel loved camping and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America serving as Troop Leader for Troop 20 in South Orange for many years.

Mel was married to the love of his life Sylvia for 68 years until her passing. He was a devoted family man and much loved by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and business associates. He will be greatly missed by all!