Jerry R. Melchior

Jerry R. Melchior 11/23/1932 – 8/26/2014 Jerry R. Melchior, 81, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Tuesday, August 26th at his home with his children at his side. He was born November 23, 1932 to Edna (Liebnau) and Fritz Melchior in Toledo, Ohio. After his father’s passing in 1934, Jerry was raised by his mother and her extended family in the Links Hill neighborhood of Toledo. He graduated from Libbey High School in 1950 and attended the University of Toledo concluding just short of attaining his business degree. After serving his country in the US Army, Jerry married the love of his life, Genevieve “Jean” Melchior on September 10, 1955. Jean predeceased him on June 29, 2013 and his heart never mended from that loss. Jerry was the epitome of a self-made man who opened his own doors and charted his own path. He will be remembered as a tough but fair no-nonsense businessman who was fiercely loyal ~ one who would give the shirt off his back if he cared for you. He achieved great success in the insurance industry then later in life commenced on a new career in the home building and land development business beginning in the early 80’s. The company he founded, Jerry R. Melchior Builders, Inc. (later called Melchior Building Company) exists today and is responsible for having created countless custom homes as well as popular Perrysburg developments “Valleybrook Farms”, “River Ridge” and “Perry Towne Square by Melchior”, an upscale office environment. He was an excellent cook, having honed his cooking skills initially while serving in the Army. No one ever left his table hungry and he took great pride in that. A few of his creations ~ namely his Thanksgiving turkeys and dressing, chili mac and special hot dog sauce ~ were legendary. Jerry’s greatest passion was the love of his family. Although he had no role model since his own father died when he was a toddler, Jerry understood what it meant to be a wonderful father and Grandpa. He always had your back. He felt it was a blessing that few realize to be able to work with his son and daughter in the family business and be a part of his children’s day-to-day life. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Jerry was predeceased by his younger sister Romaine Szmania. Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his son Mark (Lynne) Melchior of Sylvania Twp., daughter Laurie (Jeffrey) Huskisson of Perrysburg and grandchildren Matthew (Kelly) Melchior, Rossford, and Rachel Melchior of Columbus, Ohio. We will celebrate Jerry’s life and legacy on Saturday, August 30, 2014. Friends and family will be received from 10-11am at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 43551 where a memorial service will follow at 11am. Interment will occur at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Jerry are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg.