Mar 9, 2021

Gaylord Cecil Meloy, 82, of Avella, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, in his Avella home.

He was born September 10, 1938, in West Alexander, a son of the late Cecil and Ila Elizabeth Dunkle Meloy.

Gaylord was a 1956 graduate of Avella High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, with the rank of Specialist 5, honorably discharged in 1963.

He had lived in the Avella area since 1955 and retired from Weirton Steel in 1993 after 35 years, serving as a millwright, union steward and arbitrator during his tenure.

Gaylord attended Avella Presbyterian Church.

He was a member of the Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643 of Avella for more than 20 years, where he served as the sergeant of arms on the Honor Guard.

He was a 60+ year member and current vice president of Indian Springs Rod and Gun Club and was also a member of the Avella Sportsmen’s Club.

Gaylord was very involved in the community. When his daughter, Jessica was growing up he coached softball at Brooke Hills Park. He was always fundraising for local organizations and along with his wife, Patti delivered Meals on Wheels to the community for 15 years.

He never met a stranger, and no matter where he went, he always knew someone.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting with his daughter, Jessica and fishing with his daughter, Lori. He also enjoyed grilling and watching sports on television and attending the Little League World Series in Williamsport. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandson, Bryant.

Gaylord will be remembered as a man who took charge and made things happen; he was a true asset to the community.

On April 3, 1965, in Grove United Presbyterian Church, he married Patricia Jean Georgetti, who survives.

Also surviving are his two daughters, Lori (Jason) Keeler of Jersey Shore, Pa., and Jessica (Shawn) Kearns of Avella; a grandson, Bryant Kearns; a sister, Majorie (Gary) Rush of Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother, Raymond (Gail) Meloy of Follansbee, W.Va.; a special nephew, Jimmy Raineri; several other nieces and nephews; and his “adopted son,” John H. Proellochs Jr.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Dorothy Raineri.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., where a military walk-thru will be conducted at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 11, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Rich Narus officiating.

Private burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.

Full military rites will be accorded graveside by Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643 of Avella.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643 of Avella, Avella Volunteer Fire Department or West Middletown Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.