Ernest Melaragno
December 27 1932 - July 29 2026
Visitation :
John Quint Treboni Funeral Home
Monday August 3rd 2026 3-8 pm
1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43212
There will be a GAC Service at 7:30 followed by a Prayer Service.
Services:
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday August 4th 2026 at 11:00 am
St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church
163 E. Lincoln Avenue
Columbus
, Ohio 43215
Procession to St. Joseph Cemetery will follow the Mass.
Share Service Information for Ernest Melaragno
Obituary
Dr. Ernest Salvatore Melaragno age 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was surrounded by his children and several grandchildren while being serenaded into heaven by Frank Sinatra's "My Way" because that was exactly how he lived his immensely fulfilling life. "Ernie", the youngest of five boys, was born to Italian immigrants in the Grandview Heights area where he remained throughout his youth. It was love at first sight when he met his wife, Rita (Pannella), in 1952 at a CYO event at St. John the Baptist Church where they would end up being married three years later. Ernie and Rita started a family while Ernie went through medical school at Ohio State, where he graduated in 1958 with his M.D. Ernie continued his residency at Mount Carmel Hospital and opened his practice in Hilliard, Ohio in 1960 where he practiced medicine until 1998 when he retired. During that time he became a staple in the community, even being honored by the city's mayor by proclaiming "Doctor Mel Day" in 1997. Outside of his practice Ernie was actively involved in several Medical Advisory Boards and served as a mentor to many in his field. He served as Team Physician for St. Andrews, Bishop Watterson, and Hilliard High School. He was the recipient of several awards and accolades including "Teacher of the Year" in 1989 by Mount Carmel Department of Family Practice, "Columbus Day Man of the Year" in 1994 by American-Italian Golf Association, "Man of the Year" in 2007 by the Guild Athletic Club, and was inducted into the Bishop Watterson Hall of Fame in 1987. Ernie's true passion in life was his family. He cherished every opportunity to bring everyone together, whether it was making sausage or ravioli, cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events, or simply spending time with those he loved. He enjoyed polka music, dancing, fishing trips, telling stories and jokes, caring for his tomato garden and fig trees, and meticulously putting together his photo albums. Having never known a stranger, Ernie's life was filled with stories from the countless people he met throughout his life. His family often encouraged him to write them down as a memoir so they could be treasured and enjoyed for generations to come. In true Ernie fashion, when he was good and ready, in 2020 he wrote his book "My life-My way". One excerpt reads: "Years ago, when I was much younger, I always felt that I would be cheated if I died, because there was so much to do and so much responsibility on me. But now, as I think back on my long and happy life, my family and friends and my accomplishments, I feel very fulfilled... At this time in my life, my attitude is that I am ready to face death. And hopefully and faithfully, after death, there is eternal life that we have been promised, and I hope I make it there - in the Good Place!" Before Ernie took his last breath, leaving this life into his eternal life, he smiled - letting us know he indeed made it to that good place. Ernie is survived by his children, Dave (Betsy), Dan (Paula), Beth (Tom) Stricker, Jim (Anita), Mark (Andrea), Paul (Julie), Matt (Elizabeth), Andrew (Antonietta); grandchildren, Lauren (Nelson) Taylor, Rita (J.J.) Irish, Salvatore (Kati), Danielle (Kevin) Escolas, Erin (Grant) Melaragno-Brown, Luke Melaragno, Ryan (Nicole Galgoczi), Brad (Randi), Sean (Fran) and Kyle (Taylor Robertson, fiance) Stricker, Anthony, Marissa (Corey) Potosky, Nick, Erica (Dylan Canter, fiance), Eleanore, Alex (Qifeiyang), Sarah, Annie, Max, Jacob, Jackie, Giacomo, Louie, Domenic and Analisa Melaragno; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Gus Taylor, Vincent and Camden Irish, Isabelle Melaragno, Ollie and Owen Escolas, Declan, Grayson, Tanner, Brady, Rome, Fallon, Riley, and Annie Stricker, and Jiuyi Melaragno; brothers and sisters-in-law, George Melaragno, Dr. Henry (Dorothy), and Angie Melaragno; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clem (Virginia) Pannella; and numerous other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by beloved wife of 61 years, Rita N Melaragno; parents, Salvatore and Bambina Melaragno; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cuono and Mary Pannella; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat (Mary), John (Nedda), Esther Melaragno; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary (Joe) Buttress, Anne (Pete) Salemi, and Bob (Jeanne) Pannella. Friends may call Monday, August 3, 2026 at the John Quint Treboni Funeral Home 1177 W. 5th Ave, from 3-8 pm. A Funeral Mass at 11 am on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 163 E Lincoln St, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Family & Friends are asked to gather at the Church for his Mass. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery 6440 S. High St, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the loving care given by the staff at the Estates at Knightsbridge, Zusman Hospice, and Enliven Home Healthcare. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support cancer research at the OSUCCC-James. Gifts can be mailed to the Ohio State University Foundation, 14 E. 15th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201 (note: in memory of Dr. Ernest Melaragno) or made online at the James donation page. Myelodysplastic Syndrome Research Fund#316575.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Ernest Melaragno
From : Kevin Clark and Jane Jacquemin Clark
To : To the family of Ernie Melaragno
Date: July 31st 2026
Ernie was truly a blessing for all who knew and loved him. His wisdom, kindness, empathy, love for others and commitment to his faith, family and friends have made a lasting impact. The legacy Ernie and Rita left through their children has enriched the lives of many. God bless you, Ernie!
Kevin & Jane
From : Tina Koehler Smith
To : The Melaragno Family
Date: July 31st 2026
Ernest was one of the sweetest and kindest man I knew. His compassionate common sense made such a difference in our lives. My mother , Glenna Koehler , and father Jim Koehler trusted him with their 6 children and later with grandchildren. But it wasn’t only his amazing talent as a physician that made us love him. It was the sparkle in his eye and his sense of humor. He always put us at ease. I look forward to meeting him again in our glorious heaven.
From : Kathy Prendergast
To : The Melaragno Family
Date: August 1st 2026
Ernie & Rita Melaragno are the gold standard for parents & friends! Wonderful people! God bless!
From : Mario de Caris and Florence de Caris
To : Melaragno Family
Date: August 1st 2026
We were so sorry to hear of Ernie’s passing. He was a kind, intelligent, engaging and unique individual. We enjoyed the times that we shared with him and the conversations we had. With deepest sympathies to all of you. Peace.
From : MaryKay and Tom Mulligan
To : Melarango Family
Date: August 2nd 2026
So sorry to hear about your loss. Will remember him in our prayers. MaryKay and Tom Mulligan.
From : Jayne E Barker
To : Dr Mel family
Date: August 2nd 2026
Dr. Mel was my doctor during his entire career in Hilliard. His family were friends with my family in Grandview growing up and he once dated my cousin. He was doctor, friend and like family. I loved him and always missed him as my doctor when he retired. There was never anyone like him and he could not be replaced. He lived a good life! Prayers for his family and they had a man to be proud of!
From : CARL FELTON
To : The family of Ernest Melaragno
Date: August 2nd 2026
My Condolences to the family of Dr. Melaragno.
I first went to Dr. Melaragno in 1963. Since that time, he was our doctor for me and all of my family.
I remember the small office in Hilliard. Every time I go pass that office, I always remember that first day.
Sixty years later and I have never had a doctor like Dr. Melaragno.
I will never forget him.
From : Melanie Elfrink
To : The Melaragno Family
Date: August 2nd 2026
Dr Mel took care of me and my family for many years. He was so kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. I was sad when he retired but glad for him. He sure earned it. My condolences and prayers to his family.
From : Lewis W Rae
To : The Family of Ernie
Date: August 2nd 2026
I was not a very healthy tyke, being a premie. Doc was patient with me, helping me deal with my shortcomings. He was such a gentle soul. Peaceful, in fact. A shining example of a proper "bedside manner."
From : Laura Lee Lamothe
To : The Entire Family
Date: August 3rd 2026
This man was my connection to health growing up in Hilliard, Ohio. I moved to Hilliard in late 1959 and once he was established in 1960, I became his patient. He got me through every stage of my young life until I moved away at 22. This doctor pierced my ears at 10 after I rode my bike to his office, put stitches where I needed stitches, came to my house when I was too sick to come in to the office, and always had a gentle way with me and my siblings. He also took care of both my parents until he retired. I am grateful that he was my first doctor. He always encouraged me to be honest and open in order to get the best care. He was right, always!
Please know that my parents always spoke highly of this amazing man who carried them for many years through difficult health issues. Thank you from myself and from Paul and Frances Lamothe who would want the family to know just how loving and caring he was to our family. God bless each of you as you move forward with him in your heart ❤️
From : Mark A Joos God Son
To : Grieving family
Date: August 3rd 2026
My heart goes out to the family during this sad time. But we should rejoice knowing that he is in our Savior’s arm and at peace and no longer having to suffer the pains of this life. I will never forget that Rita and Uncle Ernie never forgot my birthday and special occasions while I was growing up. What awesome role models to keep the memories in my heart moving forward in this life.
From : Ron and Sue Sparks and Family
To : Dr Melaragno
Date: August 3rd 2026
Melaragno Family - he was a friend as well as our doctor. My husband and I started going to him z
I could call him any time about a concern of one of my children and he was always kind and understanding. He would tell me a story of one of his children who had a similar problem. Of course it always made me feel better. Im sure he is with God now. Rest In Peace, Doc!!
From : Nurse Lisa
To : Melaragno Family
Date: August 3rd 2026
It was a privilege to care for such an honorable man. I enjoyed the time spent with him-he always was encouraging and had a story to share! I’m grateful that our paths have crossed. Sincere Condolences &
Best to All of You!
From : Mauro and Cathy Iannacito
To : Melaragno Family
Date: August 4th 2026
Our deepest condolences to all the Melaragno Family.
Dr Ernie as we called him was one of the warmest man we ever met. When we’d come from Toronto to Columbus we made sure to connect with him. He had so many stories to tell of the past and present. We are so happy you wrote your book which you personally signed and sent us. It was such a pleasure reading.
RIP Dr Ernie.
Mauro & Cathy Iannacito
(Son of Dr Ernie’s cousin Vittorio Iannacito in Toronto)
From : Nikki Lombardi and John Stoffer
To : The Melaragnos
Date: August 15th 2026
Ernie and Rita were my godparents and I will always remember them as being so loving and happy! The last time I saw Ernie was at a wedding (Jenny) and him talking me into dancing ( including the polka!) and how happy he was. And they both danced at our wedding in 1994. They are happy and dancing together afain.