Mr. Melvin C. “Mel” Greenwald, 95, a well-known business man and longtime resident of Hagerstown, and more recently of Pompano Beach, Florida, died Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Hospice by the Sea, John Knox Care Center, Pompano Beach. He was the beloved husband of Dorothee M. Greenwald.
Born September 30, 1924, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Jack and Hannah Goodman Greenwald. He was raised in Warren, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Warren High School. Later he attended the Pennsylvania State College (now University) but joined the Navy in 1943 prior to graduating. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he completed his education at Penn State where he became a member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity.
Mr. Greenwald moved to Hagerstown in 1950 where he began, with his family, Hagerstown News Distributors, which later mergered and became Mid-States Distributors. Additionally, he was a principal in Interstate Record Distributors and Books ‘N Things retail stores. He and his brother Richard enjoyed many years as partners in various business enterprises.
He was a long time member of Congregation B’nai Abraham, the Civitan Club, and Fountain Head Country Club. Additionally he was an avid fan of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball and Baltimore Ravens fooball teams.
Besides his wife, Melvin is survived three sons, Steven of Florida, and Gary and wife Sheryl, and Alan Greenwald, all of Hagerstown; his adoring grandchildren, Alison Fitzgibbons and husband Blair, Zachary Greenwald and wife Livia, Megan Nichols and husband Andrew, Scott Greenwald, Lauren Gigi and husband Eilon and Erica and Trevor Greenwald; his step-son Kevin Horowitz; eleven great grandchildren; his brother and lifelong business partner, Richard M. Greenwald and wife Brigie as well as his niece and nephews, Judy Cohen and husband Bill, Bruce Greenwald and wife Leslie and Dan Greenwald and wife Beth.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Greenwald was preceded in death by his wives, Nina Greenwald, who died May 12, 2016, and Emily “Ronni” Greenwald, who died April 8, 2012.
The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, is handling the arrangements for the family. There will not be visiting at the funeral home. A private service and burial will in B’nai Abraham Cemetery, Hagerstown.
The omission of flowers is requested. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Endowment Fund of Congregation B’nai Abraham, 53 E. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.
