Milford 'Mel' Favinger Jr., master of living good
Milford "Mel" Thomas Favinger,Jr., 81, of Millsboro, veteran, foodie, carpenter, hobbyist, natty dresser, traveler, jokester, and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, died Saturday, May 9, 2015, in his home.
He was born in Pottstown, Pa., April 8, 1934, the son of Milford (Bud) T. Favinger Sr. and Loretta Harp Favinger. He had five siblings: Joyce Hoch, Janice (Larue) Conver, Doris Madara, Evelyn Favinger and Don Burgstresser.
Mel served in the Army from April 1955-57. He was stationed in Fort Banks, Mass. His field was voice radio. He was honorably discharged in April of 1957, with a good conduct medal. After his service, he worked for Burroughs/Unisys, as a quality control manager for 40 years. He retired in April of 1997, relocating from Chester County, Pa.to Millsboro.
He was married to Janet Elaine Kirkhoff for 26 years, during which time they had five beautiful children together. His children meant the world to him. He will be forever missed by: Susan May (and her husband Don), Karen Sefton (and her late husband Wayne), Mark Favinger (and his wife Kim), Jeanie Baxter (and her husband Ike), and Matthew Favinger (and his wife Becky). He taught his children to fish/clam/crab, to ride a bike, to drive a tractor, to drive a car, to drive a boat, to play cards, to play chess, to shoot pool, to use a hammer properly, to fix things (and to leave them alone when they are not broken). He also tried to teach them to relax, be down to earth, be polite, be kind and respectful, and be thankful.
His grandchildren will also sadly miss their “Pop-Pop’s” jokefulness, teasing and loving presence. They are Don, Kimberly, Tyler, Korryn, Derek, Zoe and Katie; and stepgrandchildren, Ike, Devon, and Jenna. Three great-grandchildren, Noah and Abigail, and bun in the oven Dylan also survive him.
Mel loved his food. Diners were his favorite. He was a regular at many locals. Even when we tried to take him out to nicer places, he snubbed his nose at their food. He didn’t do fancy, he did comfort. Lobster, crab legs, and prime rib were his favorites. In true Mel fashion, he was going to eat and live the way he wanted.
He excelled at carpentry, building his own home in Nantmeal, Pa. in 1964, and many remodels in his Millsboro home, and his children’s various homes over the years. Many great memories of him doing so, with his suspenders on and hammer in hand. He loved to read, mostly westerns. His favorite books were read over and over until the covers were worn to a soft touch. He loved to watch TV (God forbid you moved his remote!) , and you could count on the TV volume being loud enough for the neighbors to hear because why wear the hearing aid? He enjoyed crime shows, old movies, History Channel, Animal Planet, comedic sitcoms, and sci-fi. He also loved doing his daily crossword and wonder word puzzles. In his younger days, he enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, shooting pool, throwing darts, bowling, playing cards, and casino visits. He enjoyed living alone, but loved visits from his family, even if that meant his house being turned upside down for the weekend.
Mel took fashion cues from no one. No matter how many new clothes were bought as gifts, his signature everyday look included a Hanes white T-shirt, his faded soft old blue jeans, and a pair of black velcro-strapped sneakers. Upon going out, he’d throw on a button down shirt (that was never buttoned-down) and a baseball cap. If you were going out to dinner with him, you prayed he grabbed the “I don’t’ want to, I don’t have to, You cant make me, I’m retired,” and not the “St. Thomas Non-Virgin Islands” one.
Mel loved to travel. He enjoyed numerous family trips to Wildwood, N.J., his property at Cape Pleasant, Md. (Assawoman Bay), Leesport, Pa. for waterskiing and relaxing on the Schuylkill River, and also to Maine for lobster. He enjoyed trips to tropical places, and had been to Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, the southern Caribbean, and Clearwater, Fla. He always loved the water. When he retired, he bought a place with a view of the Indian River Bay, and he loved his new home.
To honor his wishes there will be no services. His family will hold a small intimate gathering at his home - enjoying the view, the food, and the company - just as he always loved to do.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his memory to the American Diabetes Association. His family lost many to the disease.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Anthony Frey (cardiologist), and Dr. Jack Snitzer (endocrinologist), who took great care of him throughout the years. He enjoyed many more years with his family than he would have had, if not for the both of you. We also thank Epic Healthcare, particularly Schan (an angel of a caregiver), and Delaware Hospice for helping both him and his family through to a comfortable end for this beloved man.
Our father lived his life fully and the way he wished to the end. The family asks that in honor of Mel, please always treasure your relationships, be thankful for what you have, and take time to relax and enjoy life!
Arrangements by the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
