Melvin N. “Mel” Callico

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.