Merle D. Melita

Merle D. Melita, 62, of Laurel Drive, died unexpectedly Saturday, February 6, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam with her husband by her side. She was born in Amsterdam, July 11, 1947 a daughter of the late Gordon Camp and the late Doris Galusha Pike. Merle was a life resident of the area and was a 1965 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. She then went on to the Colonna Beauty School in Schenectady before working as a Beautician at Classic Flare in Amsterdam. She then opened Merle's Beauty Salon which she operated until the mid 1970's. Merle also worked at the former Gabay's Department Store in Amsterdam, Marco's Supply in Schenectady and also in the Assessor's Office at City Hall in Amsterdam in the late 1980's. Merle married Gregory J. Melita of Johnstown July 31, 1971 at the former Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Amsterdam. With her husband, Greg, as a career Officer in the US ARMY, she lived in Kaiserslautern, Germany from 1983 to 1985, Presideo, San Francisco, CA from 1992 to 1993 and also in Alexandria, Virginia from 1993 to 1994. Faith was very strong in Merle's life who was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. In 2007, Merle became a member of the First Baptist Church in Amsterdam. She was a true Christian and a "woman for all seasons" who had friends of every age group, gender and background and will be sadly missed by all whose lives she's touched. She was also an avid dog lover and will be sadly missed by her beloved poodle, Ruby. Her loving family includes her husband of over 38 years, Gregory J. Melita, Sr., Lt. Col., Ret., of Amsterdam, her sons Shawn T. Murphy and companion Yanira Kinney of Victorville, CA and Gregory J. Melita, Jr. of Amsterdam, her sister Margaret G. Filiberto of Amsterdam, her grandchildren, Shawn G. Murphy, Meghan Murphy and Angelique Gonzalez all of Victorville, CA, granddaughter Amanda Murphy of Amsterdam, her mother-in-law Wilma R. Vedder of Johnstown and her father-in-law Anthony J. Melita of Gloversville. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends also survive. In addition to her parents, Merle was predeceased by her step-father Albert Pike in 1964 and her brother-in-law Thomas Filiberto in 1991. Funeral Services will be at 10:30AM on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at First Baptist Church, 479 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 with Pastor Frank Galerie and Pastor Kenneth Bonnett, officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 3:00 to 8:00PM at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. Contributions in Merle's memory may be made to Dr. Sheridan's Avon Breast Cancer Association, c/o the funeral home or the Montgomery County SPCA, P.O. Box 484, Amsterdam, New York 12010.