Nelson Melillo

Nelson Melillo, 96, WWII ARMY VETERAN, BUSINESS OWNER AND AVID GOLFER

Nelson Melillo, 96, of West Orange, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Newark to James and Fannie Melillo, and grew up during the depression.

During WWII, he served in England and Germany with the 2nd Ordinance Division.  After the war he had a vision of starting a metal stamping business.  From humble beginnings and one machine in 1948, he founded Tryco Tool & MFG Co.  Now 71 years later, Tryco is an innovative leader in the metal stamping business. 

In addition to his business, golf was his passion.  He began his golfing career at Braidburn Country Club where he was club champion.  He was also a member of Spring Brook in Morristown.  He final membership brought hm to Essex County Country Club, where he had been a caddy 80 years ago.  At the Country Club, which was a most challenging course, he had a double eagle on the fifth hole in 1979 and a hole in one on the sixth in 1989.  During this time, he formed many lasting relationships with his golfing buddies which endured for many years. 

The one memory of which he was most proud, occurred when he was eight years old.  While walking on Ashland Avenue in West Orange, he was greeted by a white-haired gentleman who patted him on the head and gave him a dime.  That man was the greatest mind of the century, Thomas Alva Edison.  

Beloved husband of 76 years to Vera (nee: Rovinelli).  Devoted father of Nelson Melillo, Jr., Arthur Melillo, Marlene Suriano and Nancy Stasiuk.  Cherished grandfather of 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Also survived by his brother Victor Melillo of Cherry Hill. 

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Ave. Florham Park on Sunday from 1-5pm.  Funeral on Monday assembling at the funeral home at 10am followed by the committal service and entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover at 11am.   

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