Robert Melson

Robert H. Melson, 95, Wyomissing, died Saturday, May 22, 2011 at the Highlands where he had been a resident since 2001.

He was born in Forty Fort, PA, the third of four children of Thomas H. and Marian H. Melson. He attended Bucknell Junior College, now Wilkes University, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, then completed his education at Duke University in Durham, NC, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1939.

Having begun his professional career as a CPA with Lybrands, Ross Brothers & Montgomery, he was hired by Carpenter Technology Corporation as an Assistant Controller in 1946. He remained with Carpenter, joining the board of directors in 1971 and retiring as director and vice-president of Administration in 1977.

His civic involvement included chairman of the United Fund Allocations Committee, chairman of the Budget Committee, member of the Executive Committee, director of the Council of Social Agencies, vice-president and director of the Children's Aid Society of Berks County, and chairman of the Berks County Children's Services Advisory Committee. He was chairman of the capital fund campaign of Alvernia College and a trustee of Wilkes University (1970-1976). He served on the board of directors of Bank of Pennsylvania (1966-1981), Polymer Corporation (1970-1973), and Reading Hospital and Medical Center (1966-1977).

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothea Z. Melson, who died in 2000. He is survived by his daughter, Janet, of Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Berks County (P.O. Box 702, Reading, PA 19603, or online at

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