Melvin “Mel” Pender, 87, of Buena passed away on May 18, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Melvin was born in McNamee, New Brunswick, Canada. He was adopted by Pansy and Harold, who brought him home to Vineland. He attended Vineland City Schools. While he was in high school, he participated in football and track, attending the Penn Relays.
Melvin served in the Marine reserves from May 1953-1954. He also joined the Army and served as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict 1954-1956. He married his wife Joan Quigley Pender in 1956 and they settled in Newfield. Mel believed you always give more than you take in life. So he belonged to the Jaycees, served as a volunteer Newfield fireman, and was a member of the Local Ambulance Corps. He was a Newfield Councilman, coached Little League Baseball, and the Newfield WildCats Midget Football. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post-270 and served as the Commander in 2012. He and Joan lived in Cranberry Run for 26 years where he served as Executive Vice President. He was a member of Local 121 Carpenters Union and worked for Romeo Gelsi Inc. for many years. He then went on to his “post-retirement” job working at Rone Funeral Service.
Mel enjoyed fly fishing, having coffee with his buddies Frank, Mike, TJ, Charlie, Bill, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan Quigley Pender; daughters, Colleen Pacitto (Robert) and Christine; son, Glenn (Leslie); grandchildren, Kelly, Sean, Brianna, Reagan, Sheridan, and Sydney; brothers, Allen, Cleveland, and Harold; sisters, Juanita, Yvonne, Martha, Euphemia, Carlotta, Wilma, and Gloria, and numerous beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by parents Pansy and Harold Pender, Lethia and Perley O’Donnell, and Doyle and Mabel O’Donnell; and brother, Lawrence, along with several of his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and his precious dog Emma.
A church visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 10am to 11am followed by a funeral mass at 11am from Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament – Church Of St. Michael, 504 West Avenue, Minotola. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360
Donations in memory of Mel may be made to: Gloucester County Animal Shelter 1200 N. Delsea Drive Clayton, NJ 08312 ( In memory of his dog and longtime companion Emma Pender)
To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com
Published by Rone Funeral Service – Vineland on May 20, 2022.
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