John Melchior

John Melchior

August 07, 1947 - August 04, 2025

Obituary

John Leopold Melchior was born on August 7, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, to Eleanora Baronowsky and Leopoldo Melchior. He moved to Miami, Florida with his family in 1954 and graduated from Palmetto High School in 1965.

John was a skilled mechanic in his early adulthood then shifted to sharing his aviation knowledge in the classroom. He was a teacher by nature, determined to help his students, family, and friends learn and become the best they could be. Around John, you were guaranteed to learn something from his breadth of knowledge and laugh because he had a great story for you. He was always someone to count on to provide sound advice and encourage thinking things through before making a decision. John also had a passion for cooking – no one could escape his presence without being offered a ‘snack'.

He and his wife, Loretta, moved to the North Central Florida area in 2020 to enjoy retirement in a serene environment, be surrounded by loving family, and offer friends a retreat with food, fun, and laughter.

On August 4, 2025, John transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eleanora Baronowsky and Leopoldo Melchior. He is survived by his wife, Loretta, sister, Barbara (Richard), niece, Shelly, nephew, Austin, daughter, Julia (Bernie), son, John (Janelle), son, Michael, and six grandchildren: Derek, Katy-Ann, Calisa (Catalina), Andy (Akshara), Thian (Alexis), and Riley.

We thank you, John, for all the wise words of advice, the love you gave us, and the beautiful lives we have lived because of you. We are all better people because of you.



A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Weems & Sons Funeral Home, 512 East Noble Avenue Williston, FL 32696 at 10:30 AM. The family will receive friends for a visitation at 10:00 AM. Father Augustine Nwagbara will officiate the service with burial to follow at the Orange Hill Cemetery in Williston.

Please make donations to Haven Hospice in lieu of flowers.


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John
AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Leopold Melchior
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Weems & Sons Funeral Homes - Williston
A
Anonymous
Other •
Thank you for making me feel welcomed into your family. I'll miss not being able to show you my spur of the moment firearm purchases. Miss you
AM
Alexis Melchior
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Grandpa– Thank you for being one of the first people to welcome me into the Melchior family. I will forever cherish our many (but not enough) games of Shanghai together. I will miss hearing your stories, getting random texts of your silly selfies or of vegetarian recipes, old family photos, or exchanging pictures of what we cooked for dinner. I know you're at peace now and in a place where there is no pain, but at the same time I am heartbroken I won't get the chance to beat you one more time in cards or eat the best eggplant parmesan. But Thian and I know you'll be watching over us until we see you again. I love you!❤️ -The newest Melchior John 11:25-26
SG
Sandra Cole Grady
Other •
John and I were good friends starting in 1961.. along with Steve Owens. We took bike rides and played in our street. Happy times with these great guys! Photo is myself (Sandy Cole) my brother, Tommy and sister, Kathy and John taken at Cape Florida, Key Biscayne.
RS
Richard, Barbara, Shelly, and Austin Savell
Other •
John! You are the best Brother and Uncle in the world!We love you so very much!
AG
Annabelle and George
Other •
Spent many weekends on the water in Biscayne Bay, Florida with John and Loretta. Sometimes scary but mostly fun. First time out we did not know the way, John said "follow me". We did, even when he cut the channel into Boca Chita. He knew what he was doing. Another memory that sticks out, as I was at the top of the mast of "No Problem" fixing a light when John came down the dock, saw me up there and decided to step on board. I had to hold on for dear life but was prepared for it when I saw the mischievous smile on his face. Another memory that sticks out was our young son back then whenever my captain made a mistake with anything electrical, he would run down the dock and spill the beans to John which always ended up in the monthly newsletter. My captains name became "sparkey" ever since. John, you were a great friend, we will miss you and we will never forget the friendship you and Loretta extended to us over the years but especially the humor you found in every little thing. May you always have the wind in your sails as you outrun the storms at your back.
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