Melvin J. Mills, age 77    of Lake Carey and Lakeshore, Fl.,died Wed. Feb 17, 2016  in Winter Haven Fl .       He was raised in Kingston, PA and lived in Bensalem, PA.

Born June 1 1938,in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of Curzon S. and Frances (Belles) Mills.  Mr.MIlls was raised by George and Erma (Mills) Updyke, his aunt and uncle for whom he had great respect and affection.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55  years, Mary Ellen (Zwiebel) Mills.  Mr. Mills graduated from Kingston High School, class of 1957and attended Alfred State Tech in Alfred, N.Y.

Mr. Mills worked for the Department of Defense for 35 years, both at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia PA.  He earned numerous awards during his career.

Mel enjoyed traveling and he and his wife, Mary Ellen visited all 50 states as well as other countries.  Upon his retirement Mel and Mary Ellen moved from Bensalem to Lake Carey where they spent the summers and wintered in Lakeshore, Fl.    His greatest joy was spending time with his family at the lake, the hunting cabin or on vacation with his granddaughters.

Mel was active in the Bensalem Ramblers Boys Club, serving as Babe Ruth Commissioner and coach of the 115 lb. football team.  He was a member of the United States Army Reserve (1961-1967) American Legion Post 0457 of Tunkhannock, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Tunkhannock, Lake Carey Sportsmen’s Club, Lake Carey Cottager’s Association, Vice-president of the Lakeshore Men’s Club and president of the Lakeshore Shuffleboard Club.  Mel enjoyed all sports.  He played football for Kingston High School, was a Philadelphia Eagles ticket holder and fans of Penn State football as well as the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mel always said he had a job he enjoyed, a great marriage, a loving family and a rewarding life.  For that he was forever grateful.

Besides his parents and aunt and uncle, Mel was preceded in death by his sister Louise Jones, brother, Kenneth Mills and sister-in-law, Jody (Gillum) Mills.

Besides his wife, Mel is survived by his son Richard and wife Amparo of Bensalem, PA, daughter, Kathryn Gramo and husband Ken of Coatesville PA; four granddaughters, Valentina and Gabriela Mills, Marlana and Analiese Gramo; sisters: Marlene Potts and husband Jim of Eatontown, NJ, Margaret Edwards of Dallas, PA; brothers:  Robert Mills and wife Linda of Meshoppen PA, Thomas Mills of Bradenton, Fl; brother in-law: Kenneth Jones of Williston, FL; aunt: Thelma Belles of Noxen PA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11am from the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St. Tunkhannock with Pastor Murray Brindle of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating.  Friends may call from 9:30 AM until the time of service.  A luncheon will be served at the Warren Hotel, Tunkhannock directly after the service.  Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery Hanover Twp. PA. following the luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5672 SR6 West Tunkhannock Pa, 18657 or Lake Wales Lutheran Church, 640 S. Scenic Hwy Lake Wales, FL 33853. For directions or online condolences visit www.aplitwinfuneralhomes.com.