Obituaries

Mele M. Vukelic                                    Date of Death: October 14, 2006

Mele M. Vukelic, 87, of Steubenville, Ohio died Saturday, October 14, 2006 at Acuity Specialty Hospital, Steubenville. He was born in Youngwood, PA on June 21, 1919, a son of the late Milich and Mildred Elich Vukelic. He was a graduate of Wells High School, attended the College of Steubenville and received his law degree from Ohio Northern School of Law. In 1931, Mele shook the hand of Franklin D. Roosevelt during his Presidential campaign tour at the corner of 3rd and Market Streets. Mele was admitted to the bar in 1951 and served twelve years as assistant prosecuting attorney of Jefferson County. He completed three terms as Steubenville City Solicitor and served twelve years as Steubenville Municipal Court Judge. The Supreme Court of Ohio honored Mele with the 1976 & 1977 Superior Judicial Service Award. He was a member of Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church; Steubenville Elks; American Legion Argonne Post 33; Veterans of Foreign Wars; D.A.V.; Steubenville Moose; Scottish Rite; and P.A.C. At the age of 84, Mele became a member of Pilgrim Lodge 691 F&AM along with his grandson Vance. He served five years as a gunner in the Army Air Corps during WWII. An avid bridge player, Mele won several tournaments and awards. A world traveler, he helped the poor wherever he visited. Mele visited the Holy Lands and family in Yugoslavia. Preceding Mele in death were three brothers John, Theodore & Milan Vukelic and two sisters Mildred & Sophia Vukelic. Surviving are his wife Frances A. Chaijkowski Vukelic; children Michael Vukelic of Steubenville, Nancy (Gerald) Firman of Cincinnati, Janet Ann (Daniel) Polverini of Toronto, David (Teresa) Vukelic of Toronto, John (Colleen) Vukelic of Milwaukee, WI, Steve (Cheryl) Vukelic of Toronto and Mary Ellen (Bill) Freiling of Mingo Junction; 12 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and sister Mary Campbell of Steubenville. Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home in Wintersville on Monday 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. where services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday with Rev. Rade Merick officiating. Burial at Union Cemetery. Pomen services 7 p.m. Tuesday Post 33 will conduct military services at the cemetery.