January 01, 1970


Melvin On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Melvin John Chrostowski passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in his Deep Creek, MD home.

Mel was born on January 14, 1930 as one of five children to parents Joseph and Anna (Koelsch) Chrostowski in Janesville, WI. After attending school, Mel followed his entrepreneurial spirit and his love of music and food as an owner of Midwest Music Store (Janesville, WI), followed by the White Horse Inn (Elkhorn, WI).

Ultimately those opportunities led Mel to his true calling in the roofing industry which started as a sales representative with Tremco. While he was having success working for others, Mel’s drive for wanting more superseded his aversion for risk where he once again decided it was time take ownership of his own path. In 1974, Mel, alongside colleagues Dick Oliver and Doug Raynow purchased Garland Company. Over the next 43 years, Mel, his partners and his team revitalized Garland, turning it into one of the largest employee-owned organizations in the industry. His impact and influence are still felt today with stories and anecdotes from past teammates and colleagues regarding his leadership and guidance.

Personally, Mel was a loyal friend, father and grandfather to so many. He always remained humble and grounded despite his success. His kindness and humor drew people to him. Mel was a lover of wine (Pinot Grigio), cigars, and dogs. He loved being with others and would always be there to listen, counsel and advise. Mel also loved helping others through his generosity and philanthropy. While Mel was formally involved with initiatives such as The Mel Chrostowski Scholarship and the Chrostowski Family Wing at the HART Animal Center, he was there for many others when they needed him.

During ‘retirement’, Mel spent his time at his homes in both Siesta Key, Florida and Deep Creek, Maryland. He opened his homes to countless family members, friends, and colleagues over the years. Anyone who visited Mel at his homes felt immediately welcome and looked forward to their next reunion with Mel.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean (Comer), sister Leona Warzon and brothers Hank and Bob. Mel is survived by his sister Joyce Benn; daughter Lee Chrostowski of Dunedin, FL, sons Jan and wife Cate of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, Joel and wife Paula of Cranberry Twp, PA, Toby and wife Alex of Moorestown, NJ and Todd of Boston, MA; grandchildren Chad Chrostowski (Holly), Jeff Chrostowski (Michele), Jamie Chrostowski, Jill Durgin (Joe); step-grandchild James Eastley; grandchildren Griffin Chrostowski, Kayla Ford, Valen Chrostowski, Tanner Chrostowski, Kade Chrostowski and Gianna Chrostowski; great-grandchildren Ian Chrostowski, Sean Chrostowski, Emma Chrostowski, Luka Chrostowski, Josie Chrostowski, Penny Durgin and Rex Durgin along with countless family members who loved him dearly.
Friends received Thursday, January 6, 2022 12-3 & 5-8 p.m. at Devlin FuneralHome of Cranberry,2678 Rochester Rd, 724-772-8800. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Ferdinand Church Friday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 am

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  • Jeff Morgan

    My deepest condolences to Mel’s family and friends. As a 15 year employee of Garland, I am thankful for the wonderful opportunities that Mel, Dick and Doug has provided me and my colleagues. You are a true pioneer and will be missed.

  • Sheila A Menchaca

    I met MEL AS A CLIENT MANY YEARS AGO AT dEEP cREEK. He was alwayskind and generous and never had a bad work to say abou anyone. I feel lucky to have CALLED HIM A FRIEND. God bless you

  • Mike and Katie Olivier

    God’s blessing to our Dad’s brother in arms at Garland and in life. We love you Mel.

  • Susan Young Betz

    Mel was one of a kind. He showed me how to make the perfect martini and we shared many. I’ll cherish the time I got to spend with him. He always made you feel special. His smile, big heart and infectious laugh is what many will miss. RIP Mel ❤️❤️❤️

  • Thomas JAY CHROSTOWSKI

    10 years ago, my uncle Mel gave me a train set that goes back to 1938 that was between my dad and (uncle) Mel. There was also a letter to me that I have and will treasure forever. To my Cuz’s I am really sorry that I cannot be there. My condolences to you.

  • Lisa Ward

    Jan, Cate & family,
    I am so very sorry for your loss of your dear Father. Mel seemed like a wonderful man and I know he will be sorely missed by all of you. Love & prayers for you all.

  • Ken Warzon

    I’ve lost a very good friend and my Uncle. Due to our close ages, he was a great mentor to me and I considered him more as a brother than an Uncle. We had great times together in many places such as Florida, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Maryland. I’ll miss him greatly. I will always have wonderful memories of him and our times together. Goodbye Wujek (Polish for Uncle) and I love you!

  • Bert and Liane Haupt

    On a cold January day in 1982, only two minutes of getting to know each other we’re enough, to establish a lifetime friendship. I wonder everyone who knows Mel called him Mr. Nice Guy.
    Over the years Mel has become our best friend in life. Dear Mel, we miss you so much, but you will always be in our ♥️ for the rest of our own life’s.
    R.I.P. Allways your friends, Bert and Liane 🙏🏻
    Our condolences to all the Chrostowski families …

  • Karen (Olivier) Witt

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Mel, he was my Dad’s (Dick Olivier) partner and best friend and we loved him because we saw how much my Dad loved him. He always had a smile on his face and a one of a kind infectious laugh. My Mom and I were able to meet Mel for lunch in Siesta Key back in February of 2019 and he was exactly as I remembered him. Glad he will be joining Dad for some more good times together. Thinking and praying for all of you.

  • Dana & Kelly Zajicek

    We will surely miss Mel. He was a part of our family and was so good to our kids as their “Uncle Mel.” We had so many good times, and we are luckier knowing him for sure. Thank you for everything, Mel & family. You have our deepest sympathy.

  • Antje & Jens M. Adamczyk

    Dear Chrostowski family, our dear friends,

    We are very sad. Mel’s passing has affected us deeply. He was a great, wonderful man. We miss him already and will miss him very much. He was more than a friend to us. We are by your side and mourn with you. You are not alone.

    In heartfelt sympathy,
    Antje & Jens from Lueneburg (Germany)

  • Gisela & Gert Hundisch

    Dear Chrostowski family,

    We have been deeply saddened by the news of Mel’s passing. He was a great man. We are grateful to have known him.

    In compassionate sympathy,

    Gisela & Gert from Hamburg (Germany)

  • Lisa Kaplan

    Jan and Pidge, I only met Mel once but what really sticks with me is his generosity. Way back in early the early 2000’s I had to escape one of our many Florida hurricanes. I hadn’t met Mel at that point but he let me and my kids stay in his Siesta Key “treasure boat “ home while the storms beat up the east coast of Florida. I’m forever grateful!

    Jan and family, my heart goes out to you all. Your Dad clearly made his mark in this world and will be missed by all.

  • Carol Garrison

    Why do I have this vision of a jovial man with a spoon hanging off the top of his nose? 😉 Rest In Peace, Mel.

  • Angelo G. Agnone

    Jan, I am saddened to hear about the loss of your father. He was a wonderful person and is going to be dearly missed by everybody.

  • Connie & Craig Wood

    Mel will be greatly missed. He was a part of our family for many years. May he rest in peace and may your memories of him live on with you forever and bring you comfort.

  • Rene (Wruck) and Mark Burgoyne

    I will miss you Uncle Mel. As a little girl our family always stopped by and visited for a while on our way to Washington DC. I always remember your kindness and smiles. I also remember Siesta Key. As usual, I remember how pleasant you were. Always ensuring everyone else has a good time. Love you ❤️

  • Don Champion

    I will truly miss Mel. I will always cherish meeting him and the meals shared with him, his friends and family. I will also remember his smile and some of his life experiences that he shared and that you could see in his eyes.

 

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