Richard D. Melini, 73, of Woodbury, NJ passed away on Thursday, December 29th at Inspira Medical Center in Mullica Hill, NJ after an extended illness. Born and raised in Vineland, NJ he was a 1967 graduate of Vineland High School. In 1972, he graduated from LaSalle University with a bachelor's degree. Richard began his career in 1973 working for the Central Railroad of New Jersey in Bridgeton, NJ. His interest in technology led him to Conrail's corporate offices in Philadelphia in 1980 where he worked on the Information Systems help desk and served as a telecommunication engineer before managing part of the company's extensive automotive fleet. In 1991 he began managing the office of New Jersey State Senator John J. Matheussen. He continued working for the state of New Jersey in different capacities for the Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit including assisting the governor with public appearances before retiring in 2016. Richard was an antique car enthusiast who was very proud of his 1939 Buick and 1938 Studebaker displaying them at various car shows throughout South Jersey. An avid New York Yankees fan- especially the 1960s- he could talk about Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Whitey Ford forever. He thoroughly enjoyed being a basketball official and was a member of NJSIAA Board 34 Basketball Officials and the IAABO Cum-Cape Board #196. His passion for helping others led him to serve as Vice President of the Williamstown Rotary Club. Richard was a real people person. He could talk to anyone about anything. He had the unique ability to meet a stranger and quickly make you feel like you had known him forever. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed by many and his gregarious nature will be remembered by all. Richard is predeceased by his mother and father Rose A. and Victor (Rink) Melini, his sister-in-law Sally J. Melini and his beloved brother Albert P. Melini. He is survived by his loving partner Karen Harrison who ensured his medical care and also made sure he stayed connected to his friends. He is also survived by his childhood friend who he considered his brother Dr. John Trabuchi and many other close and very dear cousins, friends and relatives. A funeral home visitation will be held on Thursday January 5, 2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm followed by a Memorial Service from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Ave, Vineland, NJ 08360. Interment will be private. At the family's request donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Voorhees Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 E. Chestnut Ave, Vineland, NJ 08360. To send online condolences please visit our website at: WWW.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com Written condolences can be sent in care of Rone Funeral Service.