Obituary of Theodore F. Melinosky

Theodore F. Melinosky, 84, of Columbia, formerly of New Britain, died Tuesday (Dec. 31, 2024) at St. Joseph’s Living Center in Windham. Born in New Britain, the son of the late Theodore and Anne (Miglinas) Melinosky.  He graduated from N.B.H.S. and the University of Hartford. He entered the U.S. Navy soon after and spent five years on active duty and seventeen years in the reserves earning the rank of Commander when he retired. He started with the Travelers Insurance Company in the Underwriting Department and quickly rose to the title of Assistant Director. During that time, he studied for the CPCU designation and received his diploma in Honolulu, Hawaii. Later he worked for management at the National Grange Ins. Co. in Keene, NH.

Ted was an avid Ham Radio operator, his call sign was K1BV.  He belonged to the ARRL and participated in many clubs and contesting activities. There always was a 60’ tower in the background of every home we lived in.  He wrote a monthly column for the CQ Radio Magazine for many years.

He served on the Zoning Board for the Town of Columbia, for many years. Ted was a responsible blood donor and received 22 one gallon pins, only stopping after his diagnosis of Afib. He enjoyed working outside whether it was his vegetable garden, flower garden or tending his blueberry and blackberry bushes.

Mr. Melinosky is survived by his wife Betty (Gombotz) Melinosky, his son David Melinosky, his daughter Karen and her husband Kevin Herrick; his grandchildren Kamryn and Kason Herrick; a brother Dennis and his wife Mariann Melinosky; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Kathryn Melinosky, Carol Hauburger, Helen Burkarth, Frances Dorbuck, Frank and Sandy Gombotz, Sue Gombotz, Carol Kulasenski,  Richard Gombotz and Sue McKay, William and Diane Gombotz, Ronald and Debbie Gombotz; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas Melinosky and Daniel Melinosky; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marion and Walter Bernosky, Robert and Vivian Gombotz, John Gombotz, Robert Burkharth, Joseph Kulasenski and Leroy Dorbuck.

Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday (Jan. 9, 2025) at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1755 Stanley St. New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Wounded Warriors or the Red Cross.