Alex "Kerry" Melnik

ASHTABULA — Kerry Melnik, 53, passed away on February 4, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic following a brief illness.

Born on April 5, 1972, to Dorothy (Smith) and John Melnik, Kerry grew up in Ashtabula and graduated from Harbor High School with the Class of 1991, where he was known for his athletic talent in wrestling and boxing.

Kerry took great pride in his work throughout his career in the construction trades. He approached every job with dedication and craftsmanship, leaving behind countless projects that stand as a reflection of his skill and hard work. He also had a special talent for home landscaping and loved creating spaces that brought beauty and comfort to others.

While proud of his work, nothing meant more to Kerry than his family. His daughters, Nikkita and Alex, were his greatest joy and source of pride, and his brothers were also his closest friends, always standing by one another through everything. Kerry’s love for his family and friends ran deep; he faced life with loyalty, generosity, and an open heart. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

Kerry’s passions included music and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but above all, he found true happiness in the moments shared with those he loved most. To him, family was everything.

He is survived by his daughters, Nikkita and Alex Melnik; his brothers, Ken (Cindy) Vanyo, Randy Melnik, Scott Melnik, and John (Tami) Melnik; his nieces and nephews, Keristy Vanyo, Tiffany Vanyo, Kenny (Angela) Vanyo, Danielle Melnik, and Jonathan Melnik; and his great-nieces and nephews, Kenny Vanyo II, Payton and Parker Vanyo, Mataio, Jayden, Domnick, Kilah Snyder, and Kyle Scollo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Jean and John Melnik, and his brother, Billy Vanyo and his faithful companion - his dog "Wolfie".

A celebration of Kerry’s life will be held at a later date.

Kerry will be remembered as a hardworking man, but even more so as a devoted father, brother, and friend whose love and loyalty touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

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