Dr. Mel put to rest in the company of friends

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Dr. Mel will be remembered by many across the state.
   
He spent more than two decades on the air at News 8 and hundreds turned out on Friday to say goodbye.

Atmospherically, it was Mel's kind of day and that really sums up what this man and his passion were all about.

"Very sunny, cold day. It's just perfect, a little bit of snow on the ground. It's the kind of weather he would have loved," said Jocelyn Maminta.

"He was so full of energy and vitality and caring. And I think people loved him because of his energy and caring," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Dr. Mel made sure his workplace was a place filled with happiness and appreciation. Viewers and colleagues say they always felt the warm touch of his smile.

"As you guys know, Mel would walk through the studio and sing, 'when you're smiling,' and everyone would sing with him. The giant smile," Kristen Cusato recalled.

"I think the fact that he was a really, really nice man came through that TV," said Keith Kountz.

Dr. Mel was known as a scientist and accurate forecaster. He was a man who courageously fought cancer for 16 years. Never letting on about the pain, his main concern was the encouragement of others dealing with the same disease.

"He never gave up. He fought and fought and fought and a number of times I went to events with him for cancer survivors and he talked about how cancer had enriched his life," said former colleague Diane Smith.

"He took adversity and he turned it into strength. He shared with others. He was a good, and decent person. We will miss Dr. Mel," said Rep. Rosa DeLuro.

"When you're with Dr. Mel, you could never have a bad day because you knew here was a man who is in a lot of pain, who was giving it 100%, who was smiling, making everybody feel better," Kountz recalled.

He spent his life and his career inspiring others.

His family asks that any contributions be sent to the Connecticut Hospice in Branford.