Melvin J. Tomlinson

Melvin J. Tomlinson

June 6, 1936 – June 23, 2026

A proud country boy, hillbilly, lover of simplicity and nature, Melvin J. Tomlinson passed

from this earth on June 23, 2026, with his loved ones at his side. As a unique individual,

both his life, and his passing, were lived on his terms. Laughter, and perhaps a bit of

chaos, followed him wherever he went.

The son of John and Velma Tomlinson, Melvin was born into a farming family in Madison

County NY and had an exceptionally close relationship with his paternal grandparents,

Thomas & Katherine (Tobin) Tomlinson. Madison County, Eaton in particular, always

held a special place in his heart.

His birth was quickly followed by the birth of four brothers: Merlyn (deceased), Leonard,

Mark (Larry) and Eugene (Mike, deceased).

Melvin graduated from Morrisville Eaton High School in 1953. Shortly after high school,

Melvin and some friends joined the military. Melvin, alone, chose the Marines; the lessons,

and memories of which, lasted a lifetime.

After discharge from the Marines, Melvin returned to Madison County. There he met the

love of his life, Barbara Roundy. On April 20, 1957 Barbara Roundy became Barbara R.

Tomlinson, a marriage that lasted 67 years until Barbara’s passing in 2024.

“Barb & Mel” had 4 daughters: Joni (Phil) Cifarelli, Vicki (Dan) Covey, Judy (Tom) Nash

and Valerie (Tom) Bennett. In 1967, Barb & Mel purchased a dilapidated, run-down farm

in the Tug Hill region near Turin, NY. With years of hard work, perseverance and the

Post- Depression Era mindset that they were born into, they created a wonderful, warm

cocoon where their “girls”, and later their grandchildren, could “just be”.

Barb & Mel were blessed with granddaughters: Heather Wojdyla (Kevin), Jennifer Storm

(Sean Treacy), Amanda (Bob) Matthews, and Allison Bennett (Richard Morning). And

blessed again when a whole new generation of “greats” arrived….Kara Schindler, Bryce

Schindler, Alarick Storm, Vivienne Salley, Felix Matthews, Lacie Wojdyla, Karly

Matthews (Jorge Rodriguez), Cole Matthews, Leanna Wojdyla, and Persephone Morning.

And finally, a “great, great”… Enzo Rodriguez.

With age, declining health and regret, the farm was sold in 1989. Having amassed many

dear friends in the area, Lewis County/Turin/High Market was the second region that held

a special place in Melvin’s heart.

But the biggest place in his heart was reserved for his beloved Barbara (Ma), his daughters,

grandchildren, the loved ones mentioned above, the many friends and loved ones that

passed before him, and the many friends and family he embraced along the way… Michael

Roundy, Lisa Nassimos, John Furness, Louise Riggs, Chris (Tiffany) Petriski, Pat Vrubel

(Jim) Logan, Robin Denault, the Marshall Family and Little Bill (Ma’s cat).

Having never recovered from the loss of his beloved Barbara (Ma), Melvin was relieved

that his end was near. Although not a religious man, Melvin lived out the 12

Commandments, and it is with that mindset that we say “Go rest high on that mountain,

your work on earth is done…”

In keeping with Melvin’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. In lieu of flowers

or donations, please listen to your loved ones with your ears and your heart, be present to

the loved one standing in front of you, and if you run into an obstacle, just back up and go

‘round it.

Final arrangements were prearranged and entrusted to Enea Family Funeral Homes,

Herkimer, NY. A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2026 at

Stockbridge Cemetery, Stockbridge, NY with a luncheon to follow.

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.