Obituary of Nikolai Melnikow

May 13,2010 Nikolai Melnikow, 85, passed away on May 13, 2010, at Upstate University Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Belarus on October 15, 1924, to Emeljan and Marfa Melnikow. Nikolai married Lilli Dumler in Niederreisbach, Germany in 1949. They immigrated to the United States in 1951, and spent six months in Ocean City, NJ, prior to relocating to Syracuse, NY. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, where he served as a board member and volunteer at many church activities. Nikolai was employed by General Electric for 33 years and a member of the IUE-CWA Union. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lilli; three sons and daughter-in-laws, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: son Walter and Lauren, children Paul, Lilli (Mike) Komurek, their children River and Story, and Alex; son Alex and Patricia, children Cassandra and Victoria; and son Victor and Mary, children Nikolai, Catherine, Holly and Margaret. He is also survived by many other family members and dear friends. Nikolai was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Edgar Dumler, whom he regarded as a brother. Nikolai was a kind and gentle man, with an easy going demeanor, who enjoyed conversation with both friends and new acquaintances. He was industrious and, throughout his life, was involved in household projects, parish maintenance and helping family and friends. As immigrants to the United States, Nikolai and Lilli understood the value of higher education and felt a sense of accomplishment when their sons received college degrees. Nikolai had a love of family, and took great pride in his daughter-in-laws and the accomplishments of his grandchildren. His family wishes to thank Rev. Nikolai Tkatschow for his constant attention to Nikolai’s spiritual well-being, the staff at Loretto for their compassionate care during the last two years and the staff at Upstate. At St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, a Panahida Service will be conducted on Saturday, May 15, at 2:00 PM. Calling hours will be from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. On Sunday, May 16, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM, a Funeral Service will be held. After the service, all are invited to join the family in the Parish Hall to celebrate Nikolai’s life. Burial services will be held at St. Mary’s on Monday, May 17, at 9:00 AM, with interment at the Holy Trinity Monastery Cemetery in Jordanville at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nikolai’s name to St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, 607 Tecumseh Road, Jamesville, NY 13088.