It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Daniel Hayden Melvin of Davidsonville, Maryland on April 30, 2024. He was 83 years old.
Dan was born on October 20, 1940 in Morristown, New Jersey. He was the son of the late Hayden and Helene Melvin. Dan grew up in his father’s car dealership, Melvin Motors, in Bowie, Maryland. Established in 1946, Melvin Motors offered many opportunities for young Dan to fuel the fire for two of his passions - business and automobiles. His love for both overshadowed his father’s warnings to embark on a different career path. Neither his parents’ sound advice nor his draft in the Army could keep him from following his dreams of one day becoming owner of a car dealership.
Melvin Motors grew as the City of Bowie grew, and most Bowie residents knew of the busy used car dealership on Annapolis Road. Dan’s reputation was unlike most in his profession, and it did not take long before he became an established pillar in the community.
Dan’s favorite time to spend outside his business was certainly with his family. He was a classic outdoorsman. He brought adventure to Joan, Mark and Michelle by exposing them to boating, cabins, beaches, and walks in the woods.
Dan was also firm in his faith. Growing up as a faithful Catholic, Dan made sure to be active with his family in the faith as well as in the city’s Catholic community. Dan also gave his time and talent to the new Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce, the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers, and the Board of Directors for the Bank of Bowie and Citizens National Bank. In his roles as a prominent businessman, small business advocate, Catholic leader and service volunteer, Dan was recognized as an important member of the City of Bowie.
Despite being busy with his business and in his community, Dan’s first priority was always spending time with the family he created with his beautiful wife, Joan. Together Joan and Dan enjoyed being active and doting parents and grandparents, traveling across the world, and visiting their second home in Bethany Beach, Delaware as often as they could. Dan also loved spending time with his nieces, nephews, and cousins, and with friends he made throughout the years, many of those relationships lasting decades.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Joan of 57 years, daughter, Michelle Kotelchuck (Mason) and son, Mark Melvin (Pam). He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Jacqueline De Puy (Joshua), Michael Melvin (Erika), Megan Kotelchuck, Stephen Melvin, and Jake Kotelchuck, and three great-grandsons, Zachary, Cameron, and Hayden. He leaves behind his younger sister Martha Mellin (Don), as well as his adored nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7 from 10:30-11:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville. The funeral mass will immediately follow at 11:30 AM. The family hopes you join them for a meal in the Unity Hall at Holy Family following the mass. Internment will take place Monday, May 13th at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church cemetery.