Melvin Cwikiel's Obituary
Melvin Cwikiel, 73, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at Sunrise Nursing Home in Severna Park, MD, on June 14, 2023.
Melvin (affectionally known as Mel) was born in Waynesburg, PA on December 7, 1949, the son of Bernard Cwikiel and Cecelia (Rechichar) Cwikiel. Mel grew up in the small blue-collar town of Carmichaels, PA. His mischievous but studious nature always kept him a few steps ahead of his curriculum, school staff and the occasional truancy officer.
He attended Carmichaels High School where while not always present in classes, to the dismay of his teachers, would maintain high marks throughout his time there.
Shortly after graduating from high school Mel accepted a one-way ticket from his father to the Washington, DC area to join his sister, Marcella (Marcy) to begin what at the time he didn’t know would become a 35 year career at PEPCO. To no one’s surprise, Mel worked his way up in the company eventually spearheading the early frontier of financial information technology.
He married the love of his life, Joan (Staymates) Cwikiel, on March 21, 1970. Over the course of the next 30 years they built a life and family in the Northern Virginia area. Together they explored the United States one road trip at a time.
Melvin retired in 2005. He and Joan moved to Chambersburg, PA and eventually to Annapolis, MD where they enjoyed traveling, baseball games, bowling, golfing, poker nights, and spending time with friends, family, and the family dog.
A huge sports fan, Mel cheered for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After passing the love of baseball to his son, Matthew and being a DC area resident for years he supported the Washington Nationals, the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Commanders.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan; son Matthew (Josie); a grandchild due in October; his sister, Marcella “Marcy” Price (Fred, deceased); nephew, Fred Price and brother-in-law, Ashley Padgett (Lynn, deceased).
Visitation will be at Lasting Tributes Funeral Care, 814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, 12 to 2p.m. The burial will be held at the same location immediately following the visitation hours at Bestgate Memorial Park in Annapolis.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (https://themmrf.org).
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