By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
11 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Friday, February 11, 2022

    4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Friday, February 11, 2022

    7:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Melvin N. “Mel” Callico, 71, of Highland, IL, passed away January 30, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

    He was born on October 13, 1950, in East St Louis, IL to Vincent N. and Grace M. (nee Warden) Callico.  On August 2, 1969, he married the love of his life, Margaret Dobler, in East St Louis, IL.

    After raising their family in Belleville IL, they moved to Highland IL in 1995.  Mel was a member of the Highland Moose Lodge #2479, the Buick Club, the Riviera Owners Association, and the Quail Club.

    Mel worked as an auto body repairman for many years before working as an insurance adjuster and retiring from Erie Insurance.

    He had many hobbies, which included restoring old pedal cars, gas pumps and other nostalgic collectibles.  He liked to take his boat out on the nearest lake, ride his motorcycle with friends and travel to warm places. Everyone knew his love for classic cars; his 1967 Buick Riviera being his pride and joy.

    Mel could find humor in the most mundane life circumstances, which was part of his wit and charm. Mel was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who will be missed by all who knew him.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Grace Callico.

    Mel is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Marge Callico, Highland, IL; children, Kristina Marie (Daniel) Callico-Chiarella, Westfield IN, Melvin Vincent (Angie) Callico, Mascoutah IL, Jennifer Irene (Gregg) Lindsey, Highland IL; grandchildren, Megan (Scott) Boas, Dakota (Kari) Chiarella, Mackenzie Chiarella, Cortland Callico, Cameron Callico, Carston Callico, Chloe Lindsey, Carley Lindsey; great-grandchildren, August Boas, Anderson Boas; brother, Nicholas Eugene Callico; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

    Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Louis.

    Memorial Visitation: Friday, February 11, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Memorial Service: Friday, February 11, 2022, 7:00 pm, Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Scott Busacker, Hope Lutheran Church, Highland, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

11 Condolences
 
  1. Tim and Mary Partlow / February 1, 2022 at 2:50 pm

    Our hearts are breaking for Marge and the family. We have so many wonderful memories with Mel! He was a hard worker and wonderful friend! Our thoughts and prayers are for you!

  2. Jim and Cindy Czech / February 1, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    We are sending Hugs and Prayers to Marge and the Family 🙏 Mel is a Man who Loves his Family True to the end. His sense of humor and his laughter will definitely be missed. God Bless You All, Provide You with Comfort and Be With You Forever.
    Love You,
    Jim and Cindy Czech

  3. Jim and Cristi Brocco / February 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm

    Mel was a wonderful man. He was a joy to be around and always made us laugh. We are blessed to have known him and to have had him as a friend. We will miss him dearly.

  4. Jacqueline Tirpak / February 2, 2022 at 11:34 am

    Years ago I worked with Mel in Illinois at ERIE. He was a wonderful employee and a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  5. Justin, Ashley, Emmalyn, & Nora Dickey / February 2, 2022 at 3:23 pm

    Our family has been blessed to get to know Jennifer, Gregg, Chloe, and Carley over the years. In hearing all of the wonderful things about Mr Callico, its easy to see where they get their characteristics. Our hearts are with the entire family.

    Rest easy sir. 🙏

  6. Linda Bundy / February 2, 2022 at 6:57 pm

    So sorry for your loss.

  7. Swayne Walker Dyer jr / February 4, 2022 at 12:21 am

    so sorry for your loss went to high school with mel and later sold my ground to him at carlyle forever in my prayers

  8. Kelly Solomon / February 4, 2022 at 10:48 am

    I had the pleasure of working with Mel. He was an amazing person and will truly be missed. My heart goes out to the family. So sorry for your loss.

  9. Julie Kasten / February 4, 2022 at 1:28 pm

    Mel was definitely one of a kind! I didn’t know him well, but everyone at Erie knew of Mel!
    My prayers go to his family and friends. He will truly be missed.

  10. Conny Madsen / February 4, 2022 at 2:08 pm

    I worked with Mel also and he was very helpful and kind. My prayers to his family, so sorry for your loss.

  11. Dave & Marilyn Davis / February 9, 2022 at 6:48 am

    We had the pleasure of laughing with Mel many times. He was a delight to be around. May God be with you and your family. So very sorry for your loss.

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