Philip Edward Melovitz, age 90 years, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of September 20, 2022. His presence in our lives will be missed forever.

Born and raised in the coal mining town of Larksville, PA, Philip graduated from Kings College, Wilkes Barre, PA, and The College of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ, earning bachelors and master’s degrees in Education and Special Education. He was a first generation college graduate in his family and honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Inspirited by his Catholic faith and dedication to helping children and others in need, Philip set out with colleagues to break educational barriers for underserved and developmentally challenged children of all ages. A lifelong educator and champion of young people his humble and courageous spirit fueled his God given ability to educate and inspire his students regardless of race, religion or economic status. His legacy is one of humility and selfless leadership. Many former students often visited Phil as adults thanking him for teaching them to read and write through his gift of tutoring.

He built a 30 year professional teaching career within the state of New Jersey’s public and private schools. As Principal of the Bedminster Township School, Bedminster, NJ, he was a strong advocate for change to develop a new framework of educational programs of excellence in the schools. These programs of excellence were the catalyst in helping students excel in reaching their full learning potential.

Phil lived a long, full and blessed life and will be remembered most for his patience, kindness. and strong devotion to his Catholic faith. His hobbies included reading, writing, traveling throughout the United States, attending Mass, watching Notre Dame college football games and most importantly spending time with his treasured family. He appreciated the daily splendor of nature, plants and animals (especially dogs and wild birds) and in retirement worked tirelessly on landscaping projects, perfecting his lawn, and nourishing his many colorful flower beds. Even in his senior years he embraced opportunities to help others no matter what the circumstance.

Residing in Hunterdon County, New Jersey for over 60 years, he and his devoted wife Dorothy, a registered nurse, dedicated themselves to raising and guiding their daughters with unconditional love and instilling in them a strong work ethic and moral compass. Phil and Dorothy’s early years as a young, married working couple included true personal sacrifice as they worked together to build a rewarding life and cherished home.

As Grandparents they attended many football games at Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ, where their grandsons, Alex and Sean Egan, played for the Red Devils. Phil found no greater sense of love and joy than when in their presence. His decade’s long devotion to the University of Notre Dame and the “Fighting Irish” football teams was palpable. During college Phil played offensive lineman for the King’s College Monarchs football team wearing jersey # 38. He was also a staunch supporter Marquette University and Villanova University basketball.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Melovitz and Philip Melovitz, Sr., his beautiful and inspirational wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Austin) Melovitz, R.N., whom he loved dearly, sisters, Rita (Melovitz) Sarf, Bernadine (Melovitz) Mazur, and in 2022, his cherished brother-in-law, Richard Austin, and son-in-law, Joseph F. Egan.

Surviving are his daughters, Susan (Melovitz) Egan, Annandale NJ, and Annette Melovitz, Dallas, PA;  a sister, Joanne (Melovitz) Minichowski, Hanover Township, PA; beloved grandsons, Alexander Egan and his wife, Maureen, and his great grandchildren, Caroline and Patrick Egan, all of Wilton, CT, Sean Egan and his wife, Emily (Cardner) Egan, Hoboken, NJ; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.

Susan and Annette would like to express deepest gratitude for the prayers and visits to Philip by Monsignor David L. Tressler, Pastor, and Ms. Dierdre Drinkall, Notre Dame Intern and Pastoral Associate, both of St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Kingston, PA, and Fr. Joseph Mosely, previously of St. Ignatius Loyola, Kingston, PA. Additionally, the spiritual blessings of Fr. Paul A. McDonnell, Oblates of St. Joseph, Pittston, PA, and the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope, Bloomsbury, NJ, were most appreciated.

Heartfelt thanks to Philip’s loving private duty care team of Ashleigh, Murielle, Tracy, Tiffany and Amanda, as well as to the nurses and staff of Hospice of The Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA, for their extraordinary empathy and superior nursing care, and the Geisinger Physician Specialists and nursing teams whose medical expertise in caring for our father was remarkable.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Ariel R. Baitista Jr. will take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Everyone is encouraged to meet directly at the Church on Wednesday morning beginning at 10:15 a.m. Kindly follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival.

Interment with military honors will be private at St. Magdalen Cemetery.

You are encouraged to visit Philip’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Philip’s name to: Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, 147 Maple Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704, or by planting a Tree of Remembrance as seen on the Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home website.

________________________

Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Philip Edward Melovitz, please visit our Tribute Store.