Harry Mellinger Obituary

Harry Kenneth Mellinger, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away on January 5, 2010 in Colorado Springs. Mr. Mellinger was born on Sept. 12, 1923, in Lebanon, PA to Harry and Amy Mellinger who are deceased. His only sister, Geraldine Peters, is also deceased. During WWII, Harry served as a B-24 bombardier flying 27 missions, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals and the Presidential Unit Citation. In 1945 he enlisted in the USAF Reserve, served in Kor-ea and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1972. After WWII, Harry graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, followed by 11 years of civil service with the USAF. In 1960, Harry joined the Philco Corporation. A major highlight was his interaction with USAF personnel at the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain complex regarding the installation of computers and communications equipment, and the ensuing turnover to operational status. After 28 years in engineering, marketing, and sales, he retired with Ford Aerospace Corporation in 1988, but continued as a self-employed new business development consultant. Service to his country was his greatest pride. Harry was a member of community, professional, fraternal and veteran organizations including the American Legion, VFW, FOE, BPOE and Lions Club. He was recognized by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association with a lifetime membership award. In his later years, Harry attended and helped organize his 491st bomb group reunions. However, his true passion was his daily devotion to his beautiful gardens. He is survived by his wife, Alice A. (Kiki) Stiles; a son Mark (wife, Kimberly) of Pasadena, MD; a daughter Becky of Glen Burnie, MD; two stepsons, Alan Stiles (wife, Phoebe) of Colorado Springs, CO and Eric Stiles (wife, Stephanie) of Kinnelon, NJ; three grandchildren, Kyle, Spencer and Olivia Mellinger of Pasadena, MD, two step-grandchildren Nicholas and Allison; brother-in-law, Victor Peters of Lebanon, PA; and three nieces and two nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.