Melki Youssef Melki
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 8, 1928, Melki lived a life defined by faith, honor, perseverance, generosity, and love.
Forced to leave school after the fifth grade to help support his family during World War II, he became a self-educated man whose determination and curiosity never wavered. Rather than being discouraged by adversity, he met every challenge with resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering belief that every problem had a solution.
In Lebanon, Melki worked as a tailor and an electronics technician. Recognizing the growing instability in his homeland, he made the courageous decision to bring his family to the United States before war engulfed Beirut. Once in America, he taught himself to speak and write English while mastering the skills needed to build a successful business and provide for his family.
After ten years at Lee Hartman & Sons, he opened Melki's Electronics on Williamson Road in Roanoke. He became known as the man who could fix almost anything with a plug—whether it was a refrigerator, television, appliance, or satellite dish. His hands-on brilliance wasn't limited to electronics. A gifted craftsman, he hand-built his own homes in both Lebanon and the United States, a testament to his remarkable ingenuity and work ethic. Renowned for his deep expertise and exceptional craftsmanship, he was also a dedicated mentor who delighted in freely sharing his knowledge with anyone eager to learn.
Although Melki found great satisfaction in electronics and gardening, his greatest joy was loving his family and investing in the lives of others. He loved deeply, gave generously, and found lasting purpose in helping those around him.
Melki's greatest legacy was never measured by his career or accomplishments, but by the people he loved and the lives he shaped. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful friend, respected mentor, and a man whose kindness, humility, generosity, and integrity left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His example of hard work, quiet strength, and selfless love will continue to inspire generations to come.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Faride Melki; his children, Tony Melki and his wife, Micheline; Noha Melki and her husband, Bob; Samar Owais and her husband, Nadim; and Joseph Melki and his wife, Shereen; his brothers, Pierre Melki and George Melki; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, to whom he was the beloved Uncle Melki; and a large extended family and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM. in the Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
