Obituary of George Mellenthin

George Harry Mellenthin, who lived in Poughkeepsie, NY all of his life, died at the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie on February 15, 2011 after a long illness. The son of Herman E. and Edith Mellenthin, he was born on August 19, 1927 in Poughkeepsie, NY. He graduated from the New York Military Academy and served with the United States Army in Japan immediately following World War II. He had a long association with the Arlington Volunteer Fire Department and held many positions most recently Assistant Chief, Arlington Engine # 1. Employed by Vassar College for 48 years, he retired as the Superintendent of buildings and Grounds. Past President Virginia Smith granted him tenure, the first time a non-academic position was granted such. He loved the outdoor life and was an avid fisherman and hunter. His life long love of dogs began at the side of his father, well known in Pooughkeepsie and nationally as a dog fancier and breeder; twice winner of the coveted Westminster Kennel Club's Best in Show with his Cocker Spaniel, My Own Brucie. George attended many field trials over the years and trained dogs for the field as a hobby. He was interested in aviation and obtained his pilot's license as a young man. Mr. Mellenthin is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Barbara (Schneider); two loving daughters, Jayne and husband Robert H. Rogers fo New Canaan, CT; Jody Mellenthin and her partner Scott Hackbarth of Milton, NY; his loving grandchildren, Matthew Rogers of Santa Fe, NM, Hilary Clegg of Highland, NY, Hadley Rogers of New Canaan, CT and Andrew Clegg of Poughkeepsie, NY. He was predeceased by his sister, Myrtle Cacchio of Poughkeepsie and survived by his nieces & nephews, Raymond Cacchio of FL., George Cacchio of Red Hook, NY, Linda Semancik of Hyde Park, NY and Nancy Cacchio of Poughkeepsie, NY. He leaves many loving sisters and brothers-in-laws along with their children. Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 10:00AM-12:00pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Services will follow visitation at 12:00pm. Burial will be in the family plot at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery in Poughkeepsie. Memorial Donations may be made to the Dutchess County SPCA, 636 Violet Ave., Hyde Park, NY 12538 or the Lutheran Care Center, 965 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.