Jeffrey Melsopp

Born on May 19, 1957 in Manhattan, New York, Jeffrey Thomas “Big Dog” Melsopp was an incredible Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He was born to Rudolph and Wilma Melsopp along with his big brothers Don and Brian Melsopp. His Aunt Margaret Klose was like a second mother to him and a grandmother to his children. His “extended” family included his wife’s sister, Janine Ramirez and her 3 children, Justin, Jillian and Jonathan. Janine was the sister he never had, and he loved his nephews and niece as if they were his own. Jeff lived an amazing life. He met the love of his life, Julie Kramer at the age of 25. The two of them started a family and had two children, Jaclyn and Jeffrey Rudi Melsopp. The family began in Queens, NY and then moved to Wantagh on Long Island. A forever “city boy” moved to the suburbs for his children - and a giant backyard and pool. Jeff Melsopp was a man who was loved by all. He was the type to do anything, always above and beyond for his family. He didn’t sweat the small stuff and he knew what was truly valuable in life. There was nothing more important than time with the ones he loved most. His corny dad jokes, loud obnoxious cheering, and NY “I’ve got it like that” attitude made him unlike any other man. He always had a smile on his face. Jeff Melsopp knew unconditional love. He showed his children how a man should love a woman. He became a father figure to his entire family. He demonstrated how a father loves his children. Never shy with how proud he was, he raised a man who truly is “his father’s son” while simultaneously raising a Daddy’s Girl. His simplicity was one of his best traits. Jeff lived a good life and he knew it. He loved his wife and there was no one who made him laugh more in their 35 years together. Sitting in the pool together and laying in the hammock with his dogs JJ and Jordan were highlights of his day. Jeff Melsopp had his ways. There was nothing like watching him haggle while shopping. He certainly had a way with referees. His NY driving was more than unapologetic. He was the loudest at every game and graduation. Everything was good until the last drop and there was nothing better than a home cooked meal. He could be brought to his knees for some of his wife’s home made eggplant parmesan or his daughters chocolate chip cookies. Jeff had an impeccable way with words, and there was nothing better than watching him ask you to look something up “on the computer”. He was infamous for starting the party and he’s been known to throw you in the pool— furniture, cell phone, wallet and all - even if he just met you. He sang a mean Temptations medley and could hit the highest of the high and the lowest of the low notes with ease and a smile. He was quick to threaten his kids with a knuckle sandwich when they pissed him off. But instead he’d meet them with cracked toes and one finger tickles to the ground. “Uncle Jeff” was a title he proudly owned, always looking out for his family. He led neighborhood football with all the kids on the block. Jeff took countless kids under his wing; friends and teammates of his children became family simply because he couldn’t help himself from loving them. He was affectionately called “Papa Melsopp” and that made his ever present smile even bigger. Jeff Melsopp was a man who loved and was loved. Life without him will be so damn hard because he was so damn amazing. A memorial service will take place on Saturday afternoon, August 19, 2017 from 1-5 pm at Wantagh Volunteer Fire Department, 3470 Park Ave Wantagh, NY 11793. Please do not park in Fire Department parking lot. Available parking in community parking lot. Flowers may be sent to 23 Chestnut Avenue, Pelham, NY 10803. Words of comfort may be expressed for Jeffrey’s family by clicking “Share a Memory”.