Roger Melan

Roger Melan, 74 of Rockford died at Alpine Fireside on Jan. 6, 2014 at 12:40 a.m. after an eight year battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born August 19, 1939, the son of Emil and Mae (Adamany) Melan. Married Diane Golden LoBianco on June 9, 1984. He graduated from Rockford West Senior High School in 1958. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 1963 and Master's Degree in 1965 from Northern Illinois University. Roger was a devoted teacher in the Rockford School District until he retired in 1993. He formed many special relationships with his students and fellow educators and was well liked by all who knew him. He definitely was a people person and had a sense of humor like no other. Roger was a talented singer who sang with the Senior Follies until his illness forced him to stop performing. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Staff at Alpine Fireside Health Center for their compassionate care given to him the past year, especially Patti, Victoria and Wanda. Survivors include his loving wife, Diane; son, Mitchell (Suzanne) Melan; daughter, Julie (Tony) Thoren; stepchildren, Dawn (Charlie) Crump and Mike (Thess) LoBianco; grandchildren, Cole, Connor, Spencer and Jake Thoren; Payton and Addison Melan; Brittney Reisetter, Edie, Bea and Thea Fereira and brother, Robert Melan. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lawrence.
Funeral service Friday, January 10, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.