Kevin Joseph Melan, 60, was welcomed to the world as the fifth child born to Dave and Joyce Melan of Laceyville, in what Kevin always claimed to be a furniture store; however, on November 2, 1963, the scene when the blessed event occurred was set within the walls of the original Tyler Memorial Hospital. The same building would eventually house a furniture store and that mash up wouldn't be Kevin's last!

Known for his sense of humor and deadpan delivery, he kept friends, classmates at Elk Lake, and his family entertained right up to the moment of his request for what would be his final ambulance ride from where he, his wife, and their dog, Lucy stayed in Wyoming, Luzerne County, for the duration of his care. He told the EMTs that he preferred going with them because his wife's driving made him nervous and he was trying to stay alive!

With the support of the local VA MCWB, Kevin received critical care repeatedly for over a year and then hospice care briefly following his final ride once he fell into a coma at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. After his daughter, his wife, his siblings, and some friends had a chance to say goodbye, Kevin passed into the next dimension on January 22, 2024, leaving behind all the physical ailments interfering with his attempts to go hunting and fishing.

He had unknowingly been ill for many years suffering from a variety of complications both mentally, and finally physically stemming from injury incurred during his time as an active-duty marine. A close second to his being proud of his daughter and of being her father, he was and always will be a proud marine. He's sure to be ushered into the next phase by his marine buddy Steve Frame followed closely by his forever young brother Eddie, while the other members of that crew, Mike Senn, et al, and Eddie's twin, Billy have been extremely supportive of his wife at this time.

Along with his wife, Ann, Kevin is survived by his daughter, Gabrielle Forba (Matt) of East Rush, PA; his step-daughter, Nicole Gaylord (Jeff) of Winchester, KY; his grandson, Bowen Forba; his siblings, David Melan, Jr. of Dushore, PA, Eileen Dymond (Dave) of Tunkhannock, PA, Michael Melan of West Auburn, PA, Colleen Newell of Springville, PA, and William Melan (Amy) of Tunkhannock, PA.  He is also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Kevin was predeceased by his mother, Joyce Mason Melan (d. Sept. 19, 2017); his brother, Edward Melan (d. Feb. 10, 1998); his niece, Michelle Melan (d. June 27, 1994), his nephew, Anthony Melan (d. June 28, 1994), and his sisters-in law, Betsy Melan (d. Jan. 14, 2015) and Judy Melan (d. Oct. 25, 2022).

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Kevin on a later date when the weather is nicer and moods are lighter.

Kevin's family would like to offer their gratitude to the Critical Care Staff and the Hospice Team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA 18623.