Melvin Seymour Roy was born in New York City on January 18, 1942 to Lillian and James Roy. An only child, Melvin was affectionately known as “Mel” to his family and friends. He sadly passed away on August 17, 2022 in Nyack, New York following a long illness.
During his childhood, Mel spent countless hours with his maternal grandmother, who instilled in him pride in his Jamaican ancestry. He visited museums and the opera and traveled with his maternal aunt Estelle. His mother taught him about social justice. He met his lifelong friends – Tommy Bell, Clifton Blair, and Arthur Gray – as a young man. They bonded over basketball and tennis.
Mel was a valued member of the varsity basketball and tennis teams at Evander Childs High School, in the Bronx, New York, from which he graduated in 1959. While at Evander, he and his mother hosted an international student from Ghana, Nii Quao. Nii would later return to study in the U.S. and live with Mel’s family. The two became brothers.
Mel enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5. He was an Army Ranger stationed at Fort Bliss Texas and was honorably discharged in 1964.
Mel played basketball while serving in the army. He was recruited by Hall of Fame head coach, Don Haskins, to play for Texas Western College and was drafted in the third round by the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers in 1964. Although he often talked about how Texas Western won the NCAA national championship in 1966, he never regretted his decision to return home, marry his sweetheart, and raise a family.
While enlisted in the Army, Mel met Patricia Thompson from Nyack, New York at a New Year’s Eve party. Mel and Pat married in 1964 and lived in Jersey City, New Jersey, where they had two children, Melissa and Michael. They bought their first home in South Nyack, New York and later relocated to Valley Cottage, New York. They shared many happy times raising their family in Rockland County. Sadly, Pat died in 1990 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Mel was extremely proud of his children and would boast about their achievements and share dreams for their futures.
Mel married Christine Christian in 1994. Chris, an avid traveler, encouraged Mel to travel with her to Atlantic City, the Poconos, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They enjoyed attending gala events for the Eastern Stars and Masons.
Mel earned his Bachelors in Business Administration and M.B.A in Executive Management from Pace University. He also completed certificate programs at the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Business Administration and Cornell University’s School of Industrial & Labor Relations.
During his working career, Mel held key management positions with Chase Manhattan Bank, Baskin & Appell Associates (a consulting firm), and Gannett. His last full-time position was as the Associate Director of Academic Affairs for the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center. He was also a part-time faculty member at New York University’s Management Institute, Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York and Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey.
Mel pledged Eta Chi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1995. He was an “Alpha Man,” who wore his symbols and colors of black and old gold with honor. He served as the chapter’s vice president and was proud to be the eldest member of the chapter.
Mel has served as a member of the Nyack Hospital Corporation and member of the Board of Directors of the Rockland Negro Scholarship Fund. More recently, Mel served as the Treasurer of the Senior Citizen Club of Congers 2. He enjoyed playing cards with other members after weekly meetings, and attending themed luncheons, shows and casino trips. He often marveled that there were so many fellow Evander Childs graduates in the club.
Mel was baptized and joined Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nyack in 1984. He remained a member until his death. Over the years, he served as a member of the Trustee Board, Chair of the Budget Committee, and member of the Gospel Chorus. He loved the Lord.
Mel was an ardent reader, whose favorite authors included David Baldacci and Harlan Coben; a big sports fan, who loved the New York teams but could watch almost any sporting event; and a huge news junkie, who in retirement would watch hours of MSNBC. He could listen to music and play Monopoly against the computer for hours. He had a warm smile and infectious laugh.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Lillian Martinez and James Roy; his first wife, Patricia; his aunt, Estelle Gilman; his uncle, Livingston Beane; and his grandmother, Lillian Beane. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his second wife, Christine Christian-Roy; his daughter, Melissa L. Roy; his son, Michael D. Roy; his cousins, Carol Beane-Platt and Glen Beane; his brother, Nii Quao; his stepdaughter, Yasmin Christian; and many friends. He was deeply loved and will be eternally missed.