John Robertson Melvin was a lifelong resident of New Jersey residing in both Newark and Hamilton.  Born to the late John Curtis Melvin and Annette Hortense Melvin on  March 19, 1948, John is a graduate of Newark Vocational Technical High School 1965, and is affectionately known to his friends as ‘JB’  which is short for ' Johnny Boy’.   After high school, he joined the U.S Air Force.  Upon his return home, he went to work as an Account Manager for the ALCAN Aluminum Corporation as one of the companies youngest executives. That experience leads him to become part of the U. S. Postal Service where he worked until he retired.  He then joined the State of New Jersey Department of Water.

John was an avid chess player, his mastery and love of the game made him a formidable opponent and fierce competitor.  His dedication to the game and excitement was infectious and he shared his enthusiasm with all whom he met.  John also loved literature and would spend countless hours reading which best sums up the strong, always giving, and thoughtful man who will be sorely missed.

John is predeceased by his brothers: Vincent Curtis, Gill Bruce, Reginald Paul, Ronald Theodore, and sister Donna Michelle. He is survived by his loving daughters Akilah Oni Melvin, Zakiya Shanie Melvin, Regina Leslie Wilder, a son Hakiem Oswad Melvin, Octavia Melvin (wife) G. Diana Jones (Life-long companion and family friend), and  7 grandchildren,  as well as sisters Rosalind Camille Cook-Beals (late Thomas) (brother-in-law John Cook Jr.), and Juanita Denise Melvin (Thurston), and brother Brian David Melvin (Shirley) along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends are cordially invited to the virtual service from 10 a.m until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Southern Cremations & Funerals.