Obituary of John T. Meli

John Thomas Meli, age 93, of Chester, PA, died on Sunday, February 1, 2026. John was born and raised in Chester, spending his life and career committed to his beloved community.

John attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and graduated from St. James Catholic High School, Class of 1950. He graduated St. Joseph’s University in 1954, where he was a member of the university’s baseball team. After graduation, he proudly served in the U. S. Army from 1955-1957.

Over the next ten years, John completed his MBA and PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. During this time, John started his teaching career at St. Joseph’s University. In 1967, John returned to his Chester roots and began a 40-year career at Widener University. During his tenure, he served as Dean of the School of Business Administration for nearly two decades. He is remembered for his deep commitment to his students and colleagues. John continued to support his community by founding the Chester Small Business Institute, working as a mentor and advisor to small businesses in the City of Chester.

John was an avid Philadelphia sports fan who donated his time to coaching Little League baseball and Biddy basketball. He enjoyed attending many sporting events over the last 70 years, including the Phillies, Eagles and 76ers.

In his later years, John embraced music and enjoyed playing the organ. He was also a self-taught carpenter who completed numerous home renovations, his last in 2025. But, his true passion was his family, spending time with his wife Rita of 70 years, his four children and their spouses, John (Maria), Michael, Larry and Gina (Alan) and his eight grandchildren, Luke, Evan, John, Madelyn, Riley, Rowan,
Jackson and Grace.

Son of the late Thomas and Frances Meli; Husband of the late Rita Meli; Father of the late Michael Meli.

Survivors:

Sons: John (Maria) Meli and Lawrence Meli

Daughter: Gina (Alan) Barusevicius

Grandchildren: Luke, Evan, Madelyn, Jackson, Grace, Riley, Rowan, John, III.

Brother-in-law: Augustus Rossi

Visitation: Monday, February 9th after 10:00AM at the Church of Our Lady of Charity, 231 Upland Rd. Brookhaven, PA 19015.

Funeral Mass: Monday, February 9th at 11:00AM at church.

Interment with Military Honors: Chester Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Nemours Children's Hospital, www.nemours.org