WATERTOWN, NY —Â Ronald J. Melara, 75, Watertown, passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at Samaritan Medical Center.
Born May 10, 1944, in Watertown, a son of Pasquale C. and Rose Compo Melara, he graduated in 1962 from Watertown High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966.
On June 22, 1992, he married Mary Forbes Washburn in Watertown, NY.
Ron worked with his brother Frank at P & M Floors in Evans Mills and Watertown, NY from 1967 to 1993. In 1994, Ron opened Ron Melara Carpets which flourished until he retired in 2011.
Ron was active in Watertown Morning Rotary and the Italian American Civic Association.
He enjoyed traveling and cooking his famous family recipes.
Surviving besides his wife are his children from a previous marriage to Roberta Buzzell; a daughter, Alexandra (Scott) Davies, Watertown, NY; two sons, Nicholas (Stacey) Melara, Harrisburg, PA, and Mark (Marisa) Melara, Los Angeles. In addition, he is survived by step-children, David (Eunjoo) Washburn and Heather (Justin) Washburn; grandchildren, Nicolette, Isabella, Emma, Sebastien, Adam and Jessa; a brother, Charles (Shirley); a sister, Grace Marzano; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Art) Stever, Watertown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by brothers Frank (Christine) Melara and Joe (Jeanette) Melara, a brother-in-law, Vincent Marzano, brother Sam, Phil and sister Josephine.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer services will be held 10:15 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church with Rev. Christopher Looby officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, 850 Arsenal St., Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.