Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 9, at Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, 7 Summit Ave., Summit. The funeral will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, in the funeral home, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Peace Church, South St., New Providence. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

Don leaves behind the love of his life of 46 years, Mary (nee Rogan), his daughter, Tara Melega-Turchick, and her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Katie Melega, of Hoboken. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Rose Keselica of Bayonne. He was predeceased by his parents William and Anna, his brother William and sisters Anna Grabowski and Dorothy Stasko.

Mr. Melega was born and raised in Bayonne and has lived in New Providence for 31 years.

He attended St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, where he enjoyed an extraordinary career as a shortstop which rewarded him a place as a member of the Hall of Fame, Class of ’58 undefeated baseball team. Upon graduation, Don accepted a full baseball scholarship to Villanova University and was later signed to play for the Yankee Rookies. Following his recruitment into the minors, he completed his Masters in Banking at the University of Virginia.

Don held the distinguished position of Vice President in banking for more than 30 years, throughout his professional career. He retired from Wachovia Bank in 2006. Don was an avid golfer, reader and was an active member of the Summit YMCA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to the Overlook Cancer Center, through a donation by check payable to The Overlook Hospital Foundation, which should be mailed to: 36 Upper Overlook Road, P.O. Box 220, Summit, NJ 07902 or to St. Peter's Prep, Class of 1958 Scholarships/Donald G. Melega, 144 Grand St., Jersey City, NJ 07302.