Donald Roy Melena

Donald Roy Melena, age 90, passed away in his home in Port Clinton, Ohio on Monday, September 27, 2021. He was born on January 1,1931 to Frank and Mae Melena of Garfield Heights, Ohio. He was the youngest of three boys. His brothers were Ralph and Franklin Melena (both deceased). He graduated from Garfield Heights High School in 1948, then Bowling Green State University in 1952. He served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954 and received his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1957. Donald was an attorney for 51 years. He started his career working for the office of Franklin Polk, then moved on to the US Immigration and Naturalization service. Donald was a partner in the firm of Sonkin & Melena of Cleveland, Ohio, and later established Donald R. Melena, Attorney at Law in Port Clinton, Ohio. He was an active member of the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, the Ottawa County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association where he mentored lawyers new to immigration practice. He was also President of the Father’s Club and a long-standing member of the Casino Committee at St. Ignatius High School from 1979-1995. After retiring in 2000, he went on to enjoy a robust portfolio of volunteer opportunities including Coach of the Port Clinton High School Moot Court Team, Docent for the Ottawa County Historical Society, and Volunteer for the Friends of Magee Marsh. He belonged to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Port Clinton where he served on the Finance Council and the “Brotherhood of Pasta” committee. Donald is preceded in death by his son Timothy J. Melena. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Adrienne M. Melena (Wisnieski), his daughter Mary Judith Melena Smelser, his son-in-law Todd R. Smelser, his son Christopher F. Melena, and his grandchildren Jacob W. Melena, Nathan J. Melena, Samantha A. Smelser and Carter R. Smelser. Friends may call at NEIDECKER, CROSSER AND PRIESMAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 1124 FULTON STREET, PORT CLINTON, OHIO 43452 on Friday, October 1,2021 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 414 MADISON ST, PORT CLINTON, OH 43452 on Saturday, October 2,2021 at 10:00 AM with a burial to follow at Catawba Island Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Friends of Magee Marsh, PO Box 92, Port Clinton, OH 43452. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com .