Ivan Melada

Ivan Melada, 92, beloved spouse, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023. Born August 21, 1931 in Chester, PA, to Samuel (Simun) and Matija Melada. He graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in Pennsylvania then got his Masters and his PhD in English Literature from University of California, Berkeley.

Ivan is survived by his wife Dale Melada of 69 years, son Peter Melada and wife Eliot, Albuquerque NM; daughter Julia Astifan and husband Carl, Centennial CO; and son Sam Melada, Albuquerque NM. Ivan is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Emily, Meredith and Joe of Centennial, CO and Oliver in Albuquerque. He is also survived by his sister Gloria, and 3 nieces, Karen, Sharon and Lauren, of Warminster PA.

Ivan taught English literature at the University of New Mexico from 1966 to 1999, specializing in the era of Victorian literature. Early in his time as a teacher at UNM he spent his non teaching time making nearly all the shelving and workbenches and cabinets in the family home. An avid gardener during his life, he joined the Master Gardeners program with his wife Dale in retirement.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming, followed by a reception. A Graveside Service will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.