I only found out today that uncle Mel passed away. He was a mentor to my husband Darrell  Gonzalez  from a child and they kept in contact all these years! We live in Florida so we couldn't see him as often as we like but thru phone, email & text he would check up on us. He was so kind & thoughtful.  Helped my husband thru difficult times as a young adult. Never turned his back on him. I pray he rests in eternal peace & he will never be forgotten.  Mrs. Sharon Gonzalez

Oh my ! I can't believe  it.  He was a mentor to my cousin Darrell ( boobie) .
He was a great teacher , friend and like a father to him.  May he rest in paradise.

My Uncle Mel…so beloved by family, friends, colleagues, young and old, current students he taught at the college, and former students that remember him fondly decades later... he reminds us all of a safe warm place that just feels good. A solid reliable friend, Tender and understanding and at the same time motivating, structured, and someone who can lead by example and get you moving in a positive direction with his heart felt approach to you. A beautiful soul. An oasis. A well-lit home in the dark. An open door in a world that is sometimes closed.

Living  a fulfilled life filled with loving-kindness, g’milut chasadim, does that to a person.  Mel’s unique, consistent, and extraordinary ability to be compassionate, nurturing, caring, generous with others, and able to do good deeds altruistically makes him a true example of g’milut chasadim.

For me, Uncle Mel was a wonderful Uncle and man. A math teacher for 57 years, He treated everyone regardless of family ties, or how long your friendship was with him, with the first fundamental virtue: treating others with the highest degree of respect and making everyone feel special in his presence and company.  A beautiful light in a dark world.

Thank you for being all that you are Uncle Mel for me, for my family, and for all us. My life would not be the same had we not have been connected on this Earth and I will always remember you and appreciate you. It is comforting to me that I have a deep faith and belief that we will meet again in another time and another place somehow someway. I truly believe that I will see you again in the Garden of Eden.  Until then, I will miss you dearly.

Mr. Garfinkel was an amazing teacher and guidance counselor. My mother died when I was in 8th grade. He took me under his wing and really helped me through a very difficult time. I’ll always cherish our conversations. He was a sweet caring man. They don’t make teachers like that anymore. He really cared about his students. He left an indelible mark on me. He’ll be greatly missed. RIP 💔🙏🏻

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Melvin Jack Garfinkel

December 6, 1942 – September 6, 2025

I. J. Morris Funeral Directors

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