Obituary of Harry W. Melber Jr.

Harry W. Melber, Jr., father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 29, 1940, in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey.

Known affectionately as "Bibi" and "The Hat," Harry lived a life marked by devotion to those he cared about. Born on Leap Day, he often enjoyed the uniqueness of his birthday — a fitting distinction for a man who was truly one of a kind.

Harry was a proud entrepreneur. Over the years, he owned and operated Mel's Floor Covering in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, as well as Irene's Laundromat and several Mixed Bags stores. He worked hard, believed in taking risks, and always dreamed big — including a lifelong dream of one day owning a casino.

Beyond work, Harry was known for his love of music, singing, and dancing. Whether at home, at a party, or in a room full of family, he brought joy with his voice, his rhythm, and his contagious spirit. He had a natural way of lifting people up and making moments feel lighter and happier. He lived his life as his favorite singer would say, "I did it My Way."

Above all else, Harry had a loving and generous heart for family, children, friends and animals. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in time spent with them.

Harry is survived by his loving sisters, Betty DePaul and Linda Hoffman; his beloved children: Harry W. Melber, III and wife, Amy Melber; Nancy Giambrone and husband, Phillip Haramia; and Elizabeth Vance. He is additionally survived by his cherished grandchildren: Harry W. Melber, IV; Nicholas Melber and his wife, Genine Leogrande; Lisa Fastiggi and her husband, Michael Fastiggi; Amanda Vance, Emma Vance, Alexandra Ramistella and Sophia Melber. His legacy continues through his beloved great-grandchildren: Brooklyn Rose Melber, Michael Fastiggi, Lorenzo Fastiggi and Landon Melber. He also leaves behind his loving friend, Nancy Locascio.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Melber, wife and mother of his children, Irene Melber and second wife, Florence LoCascio.

Friends remember Harry as kind, thoughtful, and humorous—a man whose character spoke louder than words and whose legacy will endure through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love he gave, the joy, music, and laughter he brought into the world.

DUE TO THE PENDING WINTER STORM FORCASTED FOR SUNDAY/ MONDAY, THE FUNERAL MASS AND INURNMENT HAVE BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Funeral Mass on TUESDAY, February 24, 2026, 10:00am at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, NJ. Inurnment will follow at Gate of Heaven Chapel Mausoleum, East Hanover, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for Memorial Gifts to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation, P.O. Box 354, Oakland, NJ 07436.