Melvin H. Shelly, age 78, passed away on December 7, 2024, in Providence, RI, after a six-month illness.
Mel is survived by his loving wife, Shirley DiMatteo; her sons, Lex and Brett, and their families, including six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Shelly Sweeten, her husband, Al, and their family.
Mel was born in Philadelphia to the late Margaret Arthur and Harold M. Shelly. He earned his BA from The College of Wooster, an MA from Temple University, and an MS from the University of Pennsylvania, before completing his PhD at the University of Michigan. Mel dedicated his career to education as an urban school psychologist and teacher educator, serving communities in Bowling Green, OH, Syracuse, NY, and Providence, RI.
From childhood, Mel’s greatest love was music, and he was said to have spread joy wherever he sang. Along with his beautiful tenor voice, Mel was a talented poet and a lover of the arts. In Providence, he was a proud member of The Providence Singers (emeritus), the Unitarian Church Choir, and the Chorus of East Providence. While wintering in Sarasota at Sun Outdoors, Mel found joy performing with two choruses and participating in Musical Theater.
Mel was an active and beloved member of The Lifelong Learning Collaborative, where he so enjoyed taking classes and coordinating them.
Mel cherished traveling abroad with Shirley, as well as spending time outdoors. Dogs were always an integral part of his life, bringing him immense joy on countless hikes, snowshoeing adventures, kayaking trips, and walks along the beach. Summers spent at their Narragansett beach house were among his happiest times.
Mel will be remembered for his passion for music, his kind spirit, and his deep love for family and friends. His legacy lives on in the music he shared, the poetry he wrote, and the lives he touched.
A service for Mel will be held at Swan Point Scattering Garden at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Unitarian - Providence Music Fund or an animal rescue group in your area in Mel’s memory.
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