Frank G. Melvin Jr.

Frank Greenly Melvin Jr., age 75,  passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2016, from Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, DE.  Mr. Melvin was born in Harrington, DE to the late Frank G. and Evelyn Melvin Sr.

As a teenager, Mr. Melvin was inspired and bonded with the Harrington Chief of Police, and oftentimes rode with him on patrol.  After graduation from high school, Mr. Melvin served his country proudly, in the Military Police, in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  At the age of 21, on the first day that he returned home, he put in applications to all the local police departments.  The next day he was hired at the Milford Police Department where he worked for 3 years working up to supervisor.  He then went to Rehoboth Police for higher pay and benefits, until the year 1967 when he applied for and was hired by the Delaware State Police.  After 20 years of service for the Delaware State Police, he retired in 1987.  After taking a break for a year, he accepted the job as the Chief of Police for the Harrington Police Department. 

As Chief of Police for Harrington, Mr. Melvin took control of the department, which was not a high priority at the time for the city, and turned it into a well organized, higher paying, crime fighting unit that was all funded by grants, fines, and special state funds without any cost to the city.  He laid the foundation for the police force, that continues into present day, of one of the best police departments in this state.  Mr. Melvin served as Chief until his retirement in 1998.  For a few years after that, Mr. Melvin worked in security for the Dover Slots and for a development in Long Neck.  His entire life was dedicated to law enforcement and he truly bled blue.

In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, as well as socializing on his front porch with friends.  He enjoyed going out to dinner with colleagues and every morning he met with a group of gentlemen over coffee before he went into work. 

Mr. Melvin was a member of the Chiefs of Police Association as well as the Association of Retired State Police.

Mr. Melvin, in addition to his parents, is predeceased by a brother, Ronald Melvin; and a sister, Doris Dolby.  He is survived by his wife Diana Melvin; brothers, James (Jeanette) Melvin of Harrington, and Ernest (Roxanne) Melvin of Dover; nieces and nephews, Ernie Melvin Jr., Shawn Melvin, Scott Melvin, Wayne Melvin, Sara Orlando, Jane Mutter, Cindy Freeman, Crystal Gray, and a host of friends, colleagues, and law enforcement brethren.

Funeral services will take place at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 12 PM, with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior.  Interment will take place at the Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. 

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to sign the condolence book.

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