Don Mellott was born August 28‚ 1947‚ in Lock Haven‚ Pennsylvania‚ to Benjamin and Ruth Mellott.
Don graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1966. Upon graduation he worked as a mechanic and master mechanic for a construction company. In 1975 he started his own auto repair business known as D&G Auto Repair and Welding‚ which is still operated today by his son‚ Gary.
In 1967‚ he married Judith M. Baker and would have celebrated 43 years of marriage on February 25‚ 2010. They raised two sons‚ Gary Donald and Travis. Gary is very active in the community with the fire industry. He belongs to the Lock Haven Fire Department‚ where he is a driver four nights every other week. He is also a certified EMT and ambulance operator for Lock Haven EMS and is specialized in extrication. Travis‚ the younger of the two sons‚ was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1989‚ at the young age of 19.
Don was blessed with two very special grandchildren‚ Colton Travis and Brooklyn Dawn. Colton is a student at Lock Haven University‚ majoring in Elementary Education and very active in the fire service. Brooklyn is in 7th grade at Central Mountain Middle School and is a cheerleader. Don was extremely proud of the fact that there were three generations of firefighters in the family.
Don joined the local fire company when he was 16. At the time of his death‚ he had served five fire companies and was fire police captain of the Woolrich Fire Company and chief of the fire police. His major objective was with the fire police and acquiring the appropriate clothing and equipment to perform the job properly and safely. He worked tirelessly for the organization.
Don was doing what he loved when he was struck by a car while serving as fire police on the scene of a motor vehicle accident‚ a tragic accident that this community will never forget. A scholarship has been set up in his memory at the Central Mountain High School and will be presented by his grandson‚ Colton.
The community suffered a great loss and will be forever grateful to him for his service and sacrifice of his life. He will always be deeply missed by his family and the community.
