The Beil family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Melvin L. Beil on October 25, 2022 at the age of 97.

He was born in New York and grew up in Washington Heights. His father died when he was eight years old which means he lived a staggering 89 years after his father's death. That death plunged the family into poverty in the 30s depression though he never spoke of hardship.

He joined the army at the age of 17 in World War Two and was stationed in Europe. He fought for three years including through the Battle of The Bulge. He remained in the service even after being shot (for which he received a Purple Heart medal). He lived with a shrapnel injury and nerve damage the rest of his life. While his military career provided him with a number of funny well-polished party anecdotes of narrow misses being caught behind enemy lines, the true brutality of war disturbed him deeply and affected his world view.

After a number of rat-packing years in his 20s and 30s he met, married and settled down with our mother, Sharon (nèe Karp) in Toledo. They marked their 60th anniversary last year.

He ran the Karp's Department Store family business in Toledo along with his brother-in-law. It moved from Dorr and Detroit to Summit Street to Dorr and Secor and sold menswear mostly to the local Black population. It was not unusual for him to run into men around town who told him that he sold them their first Easter or Christmas suit.

In retirement, he became an art hobbyist producing some extraordinary pieces. While he had urging from friends and artists to display and sell his work, he was satisfied with a few display-only shows at the Toledo Public Library as he was more driven by the satisfaction of making something beautiful for his loved ones.

He had an unique sense of color and composition and his friends and family covet having their own pieces.

Mel and Sharon had an active social life with their friends from the local Jewish community for many years that centered on tennis, dinners and laughter.

His eventual physical and cognitive decline was marked by a strong ongoing dedication to his role as protector of his family, first and foremost of whom is his wife, Sharon, who survives him along with sons, Robert and Howard; Howard's children, Dylan Beil and Kyla Beil; and Robert's husband, Roberto. 

We are beyond blessed to say that Mel was not a difficult or complicated man to love. He was a kind, caring, loving soul. He was hilarious. He was creative. He was an amazing father and husband and grandfather and uncle and we'll miss him to the end of our days. 97 years is more time on earth than anyone has a right to expect. For us it wasn't nearly enough. We love you Mel and always will.

Services were held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at Beth Shalom Cemetery in Oregon, Ohio.

Arrangements by the Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home (419) 535-5840.

www.wickfh.com