Donald J. Melotik

Donald J. Melotik, age 87, of Northville, passed away on February 16, 2026. He was born on September 14, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Joseph and Josephine (Kavalek) Melotik. Don grew up with his family in Detroit and moved to Dearborn Heights to raise his family. In 2003 he moved to Northville because of the town’s quaint charm.

Don graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1956. He went on to study at Michigan State University before transferring to Wayne State University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry. During his time at WSU he was an active member of Alpha Chi Sigma. Don began his career as a research chemist with Ford Motor Company, where he was a dedicated employee for 35 years, retiring in 2002.

Don was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to God. Passing on the importance of the Catholic faith to his daughter and grandson was especially meaningful to him. For many years, he was a devoted member of Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn before moving to Northville, after which he became an active parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth. At both churches, Don generously shared his musical talents as a member of the choir.

Music was a lifelong passion for Don. He played clarinet in the Detroit Catholic Central High School marching band and the saxophone in jazz band. He continued to play clarinet in the MSU marching band. Don also played the tenor saxophone in his jazz ensemble, The Don Melotik Band, and took great joy in sharing music with others. He was strongly connected to the local jazz community and local artists. Don also loved classical music and frequently attended performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Don had a deep appreciation for the arts and a keen interest in history. A true history buff, he spent many hours at Greenfield Village, fascinated by the many ways people lived throughout the past. He was especially proud of his Slovak heritage and enjoyed traveling to Europe to further explore his family history and cultural roots. For most of his life, Don delighted in attending cultural festivals and activities, later sharing those cherished memories with his family.

An enthusiastic home cook, Don especially delighted in preparing classic Eastern European dishes. Above all else, he cherished time with his family. Raising his daughter and sharing special moments with his beloved grandson, Donnie, his namesake. Don was immensely proud of Donnie for continuing his legacy at Detroit Catholic Central High School. Teaching Donnie cursive, doing chemistry experiments, taking him snowshoeing in the winter were just a small glimpse into the adventures they shared together. Don’s magnetic personality, kindness, loving spirit, and amazing sense of humor will be deeply missed.

Don is survived by his daughter Kristin Periard; his grandson Donald “Donnie” Periard; his brother Gerald (Marie) Melotik; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his former wife and friend Laurie Harvey. He was blessed with many other family and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Maryann Wozniak, and his brother-in-law Richard Wozniak.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Noon, he will be instate at 11:30am at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth. He will be laid to rest at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights following mass.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Donald "Don" J. Melotik '56 Memorial Fund at Detroit Catholic Central High School, 27725 Wixom Road, Novi 48374. Gifts may also be made online at: www.catholiccentral.net/give