Myer Mellman Obituary (1917 - 2009)

The life of Myer Mellman could be summed up in three words—family, friends, community—but they would neither do justice to his dedication to each or the lasting impact his legacy will have on all of us. Proceeded in death by his son Dennis he is survived by his wife Selma, and daughter and son in-law Diane and Dr. Warren Israel, daughter Patricia Mellman, and daughter in-law Sheila Mellman. His grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews will sadly miss him .We all express our deep appreciation to our friend and his caregiver Veronica Breum-Mensah. His passing this week leaves a great void in all their lives. He attended Bexley schools, graduated from South High School, and attended Ohio State University. For his community, we have lost one of our great leaders. For over 60 years, Myer gave his energy and intellect to bring a better quality of life to the Columbus Jewish Community. He was a man that understood that a thriving community was made up of many different segments. He saw the synagogues and temples, the JCC, the Federation and Foundation all playing significant and unique roles and requiring the support of the entire Jewish community in order to flourish. Myer Mellman’s contributions to the Columbus Jewish community were staggering. He served as President of the Columbus Jewish Foundation, the JCC of Greater Columbus and B’nai B’rith Zion Lodge and the Columbus Jewish Federation (where he also served as Campaign Chair). He and his wife Selma share a Founder’s Fund and a Philanthropic Fund at the Foundation and gifted a stunning, one of a kind wooden and ceramic Book of Life cover, which is proudly displayed in the Robins Center for Philanthropy lobby. He received a number of community awards including the Ben M. Mandelkorn Distinguished Community Service Award, and Agudas Achim’s Man of the Year award. Myer was also honored by the Columbus Jewish Foundation as its 16th Annual Meeting Honoree, and was a B’nai B’rith Sanford I. Lakin Award winner. While his commitment to the community was universal, he believed that the Jewish Community Center was an essential bridge between the synagogue congregations, schools and home. As reported in the November 9, 2000 issue of the Ohio Jewish Chronicle: “Beginning in the late 1970’s Myer (Mellman) played a key role in efforts to build a multi-purpose recreation and educational facility that stands today. Following a five year fundraising campaign, the Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center opened in January 1983.” His involvement with the center spoke volumes: “Selma and I are doing this for the next couple generations. We’re taking good care of the Center so that it will continue to provide the activities and services needed by our Jewish community.” In 2ooo, the couple established the Selma & Myer Mellman Endowment Fund for the Visual Arts to help ensure their vision of a “warm welcome” at the JCC. Selma continues to be responsible for many of the gallery displays in the JCC’s lobby. Not content to serve only the Jewish community, Myer was also a past President of the Columbus State Community College Foundation, a Board member of United Way, and was a member of the City of Columbus’ Development Commission. Among many awards he was presented with the City of Columbus Mayor’s Award for Community Service and the distinguished Flowers To The Living Award, and he was recognized by the United Way of Central Ohio for over 25 years of volunteer service. He was the founder and president of Columbus Jack Corporation until 1992 during which time he traveled extensively through Europe, Asia, South America, China, and the Middle East. He was also a supplier of ground support material for aircraft to the U.S. Department of Defense, airframe companies and airlines. Among many awards he received the Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award. He also served as President of The Columbus Chapter of the Defense Supply Association. Funeral service 1 PM Monday, May 11, 2009 at Congregation Agudas Achim, 2767 E. Broad St. with Rabbi Gerald B. Zelermyer officiating. Burial to follow at New Agudas Achim Cemetery.