Melvin J. Mast, retired barber
Melvin J. Mast passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, surrounded by his loving family. He would have celebrated his 83rd birthday March 24.
Mel was born in Clarence Center, N.Y., March 24, 1930, the fourth eldest of 15 children to the late Levi E. and Mary (Miller) Mast. He spent his early years in Clarence Center, N.Y. and came to Delaware in his youth. He finished schooling at the Greenwood Mennonite School and worked on the Swartzentruber farm. He learned the electrical trade from his father. He was part of the 1-W group that worked at the Delaware State Hospital from 1952-54. Mel became a barber in the late 1950s and lent his talent to many shops in Wilmington before setting up his own shop in Lewes. He retired in 1992.
Mel could fix anything. He built his own house in Harbeson in 1984 and continued to use his carpentry expertise, for a time, working with Habitat for Humanity. In his retirement, he was a passionate deliverer of Meals on Wheels, a dedicated worker at All Saints' Thrift Shop and a devoted parishioner of St. George's Chapel. He was a founder of the Meet Loaf Club, where he worked on crossword and Sudoku puzzles every morning at the Lemon Tree in Lewes.
Mel was a dedicated member of the Lewes Lions Club where he received his 35-year pin. He also loved being surrounded by the joyous chaos of family gatherings. Mel enjoyed traveling far and wide, especially, the western national parks.
Mel was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughters, Helen Wolf of Townsend, and Linda (Larry) Marine of Hebron, Md.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two on the way.
A celebration of his life with be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 6, at St. George's Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson. Friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Melvin's name to St. George's Chapel, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Meals on Wheels c/o CHEER, Inc., 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
