Melvin Warren Reber was born to Carson and Delia Reber on August 29, 1934 in Warsaw, New York and died suddenly while full of life on November 28, 2024 in Rochester, New York. His brother, Merlin, was born five years later. Mel enjoyed pranking his little brother as only a big brother can. Mel graduated from Wilson high school and taught chemistry for 33 years in Spencerport, New York. He was a heavily involved supporter of his alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan College, as well as the Free Methodist Church.
Mel first dated his wife, Barbara Roushey, at Lighthouse Christian Camp on the shore of Lake Ontario following a dare from his friend, Al Morton. Mel and Barb were married for 69 years and still maintain a cottage there along with boats, jet skis, kayaks, and frequent bon fires which he referred to as “family glue”.
As a life long conservationist, Mel loved hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. He worked hard to ensure that the ones he loved could share in the things he loved. Though he and Barb had travelled much of the world together, he was most at home on “the farm”, his land in Bergen, New York, which he maintained with chainsaws and tractors for the benefit of both people and all the wild creatures there.
As a sought after MC for many family wedding receptions and public events, Mel knew how to captivate an audience and get them laughing. Mel will be long remembered for his ready humor, practical wisdom, and for rolling up his sleeves to wash the dishes following a large family gathering. When his children were young and complained about some petty wrong he would retort, “life isn’t fair…”. As they matured he both admonished and exemplified, “…but you need to work for justice.” In later years Mel became attentive to and outspoken about the national political stage. Therefore, in Mel’s memory and in his honor may we all agree to work together to Make America Great Again.
Mel was preceded in death by his son, Steven Kirk. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their daughters, Brenda/David Ragonesi, Crystal/Todd Kroh, Michele/Bob Landis, and their daughter-in-law, Sue Burrows Reber. In addition, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Mel’s life will be held at the Brockport Free Methodist Church on December 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm in Brockport, New York.
