Paul Melnichenko, 94, of New Philadelphia, formerly of Gnadenhutten, passed away Friday morning of February 13, 2026, in Hennis Care Centre of Dover surrounded by his family.
He was born on May 9, 1931, to the late John and Katherine (Debasitis) Melnichenko in Canton, Ohio. Paul attended Canton McKinley schools and then served his country in the U.S. Army for four years. Once discharged from the army, Paul went to work for Timken Steel and was a loyal employee for thirty-seven years.
An avid outdoorsman, Paul enjoyed all manner of hunting and fishing, including big trips out west and to Canada for the different types of game animals. He also liked to spend time with his friends golfing. He was also a member of the Uhrichsville Christian Fellowship Church.
Surviving, are Paul’s wife of 47 years, Nancy (Blackwood), of the home, four children: Paul “Chey” Melnichenko, of New Philadelphia, Jeff (Trish) Melnichenko of Port Washington, Ron (Cindy) Meredith of Michigan, and Terrye (Sam) Ward of Gnadenhutten; seven grandchildren: Rachel (Michael) Mickley, Lindsie Melnichenko, Lance (Amy) Melnichenko, Cole (Mary) Meredith, Riley Meredith, Sarah (Justin) Eggerton, and Hannah (Austin) Smith; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Along with his parents, Paul is preceded by his first wife Norma Jean (Cappuano), and six siblings.
A short visitation will be held on March 17, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. with a memorial service beginning at 10:30 A.M. with Sam Ward officiating. All will be held at the Uhrichsville Christian Fellowship Church, 132 Kutchem Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. A cremation burial will follow the service at the Gnadenhutten-Clay Union Cemetery, Gnadenhutten, Ohio, at 1:25 P.M. where military honors will be conducted by the Newcomerstown Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Uhrichsville Christian Fellowship Camp Allgyer, PO Box 8, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683.
Koch Funeral Home, LLC
244 N. Walnut Street
Gnadenhutten, OH 44629
740.254.4200
www.kochfhgnaden.com
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