Obituary of Matthew J. Melchionda

Matthew James Melchionda, age 31, a Watchung Police Officer, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 from injuries sustained from an automobile accident while on duty. Born in Orange, he resided in Livingston before moving to Readington in 1986. Officer Melchionda attended Readington Middle School and Hunterdon Central Regional High School where he lettered in baseball and basketball. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University, Livingston campus, and his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Centenary College in Hackettstown. He was a 1999 graduate of the Somerset County Police Academy. Officer Melchionda served on the Watchung Police force for 6 years and was a member of the Watchung PBA, Local 193. He is survived by his wife, Lynn M. Galanaugh Melchionda whom he married in September 2005; his parents, James Melchionda of Toms River and Jane Shenyo Melchionda of Williams Township, PA; his grandmother, Mary A. Melchionda of Toms River; his brother, Officer David J. Melchionda, a Watchung police officer, of Branchburg; his uncles, Gary Melchionda of Toms River and Ralph Shenyo of Coppersburg, PA and his aunt, Patricia Stierle of Bricktown. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 8:45 a.m. at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral service at The Readington Reformed Church, 124 Readington Road, Readington. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Matthews memory to a charity of your choice.