Melvyn J. Loftus

Melvyn (Mel) James Loftus, died peacefully at his home in Alexandria, Virginia due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Born on February 18, 1937, in San Francisco, California, Mel is predeceased by his parents, Mervyn and Myta Loftus. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Sheila Loftus and children, Sarah McLallen, Scott McLallen and Marybeth (Jimmy) McDermott and grandchildren Colin and Lucy McLallen. Born and raised in San Francisco, Mel attended Star of the Sea Grammar School, St. Joseph Seminary, and earned degrees from the University of San Francisco and the University of Utah. After school, Mel served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was a math teacher and cartographer. He spent the remainder of his career as an education specialist with the US Forest Service at the Job Corps, firmly committed to offering free vocational and academic training to non-traditional students. In retirement, Mel and Sheila toured Northern Virginia and Western Wisconsin on their bicycle built for two. Mel was an avid reader and writer and was very proud of his published articles. As a grandfather who enjoyed a dish of Breyers nightly, Mel made sure there was always ice cream in the house for Colin and Lucy. Since his days selling programs at Candlestick Park, Mel remained loyal to the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Seals. He faced withering pressure to move to the Cheddar Head phase of his life but stayed true to his 49ers. We wish he could have enjoyed their perfect start to this season. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday, October 18th at 10:30 a.m. with a burial to follow at Mount Comfort Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mel’s name to the Good Shepherd Poor Box, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309. One hundred percent of poor box donations go directly to the Route 1 Community.