Melvin Kahn

DATELINE: WARWICK

A resident of Warwick for the past six years and formerly of Cranston died peacefully from natural causes at 96 years old. Mel was married to his wife Mae for over 70 years, who predeceased him.   He was the son of William and Esther (Harris) Kahnovsky.  All of his siblings predeceased him including Sydney Kahn, Evelyn Labush, and David Kahnovsky.  He is survived by his sons Ronald Kahn and his wife Pamela, Larry Kahn and his wife Ellen, beloved grandfather of Amy Kahn, Joel Kahn and his wife Carolyn, Seth Kahn and his wife Dana, Aaron Kahn and his wife Rachel, and great grandfather to Lily and Charlie Kahn.  Mae and Mel shared the joys of family, travel, summers by the “pool” and activities in numerous fraternal organizations.  Melvin was a proud decorated World War II Veteran of the U.S. Navy serving for four years in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns including the Normandy invasion.  He served almost continuously on convoy duty during the war as a member of the elite U.S. Navy Armed Guard as a gunnery captain and at Normandy as a landing Coxswain. He was active in Veteran’s groups across the state including having served as Commander of the Warwick Veterans Council, Commander of the Jewish War Veterans, and on numerous state committees to support veteran’s recognition and activities.    He was active for over 60 years in the United Commercial Travelers organization and served as Past Senior Councilor.  Mel and Mae previously owned two businesses for many years, Ace Roofing and Sheet Metal Works and Mel’s Hardware in Providence.  Later he worked at Quonset Point for many years until retirement.  Due to the current health crisis funeral arrangements and Shiva will be observed privately. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to your favorite veterans’ group or to the Heart Association.

18 Comments

  1. Rachel Kahn
    Apr 20, 2020

    Melvin was a wonderful father, grandfather, and husband. My husband Aaron and I were very lucky to have such a wonderful person in our life. Melvin will be greatly missed. May Melvin rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.

    -Rachel Kahn

  2. Ira Fleisher
    Apr 20, 2020

    Please accept my condolences to Ron, Pam and the entire Kahn family. Mel was a constant presence and a positive influence in the RI Department of the Jewish War Veterans. A proud WWII Veteran who expressed great love for our country and it’s flag.

  3. Steve Musen
    Apr 20, 2020

    On behalf of Post 23, JWV and the Department of RI, JWV, we offer our sincere condolences to Mel’s family. Because of the current health crisis, we are unable to give Mel the final salute at his funeral. Our organization has lost one of our key members. Mel was truly one of the Greatest Generation. May his memory be with us even if he himself has gone to his eternal abode.

  4. Michael and Lisa Penn
    Apr 20, 2020

    We first met Mae and Mel at the “Pool” where they would bask in sun in the same spot every day. They were very nice and accepting of our young girls. Several years later we were seated at a banquet table across from Mae and Mal. I immediately recognized them having seen Mal at veterans events. Mal saw Lisa and realized she did not recognize him and challenged her by stating “You don’t recognize us with clothes on.” He had a sense of humor.

  5. Cheryl Howard
    Apr 21, 2020

    I met Mr. Melvin Kahn several years ago, but was struck by his welcoming kindness toward me. In a word, he was adorable. I wish the Kahn family comfort in this time of sadness, and may Mr. Kahn rest in eternal peace!

    -Cheryl Howard

  6. Liz Cimini
    Apr 21, 2020

    I was priviledged to have known both Mel and Mae by being Joel’s mother -in-law. They were both charming people. So many will miss them.

  7. Nadine A. Beirne
    Apr 21, 2020

    Ronnie and Pam and family, I am so sorry to read of the loss of your Dad. He and your Mom were lovely, kind people. I will keep you all in my prayers.

  8. JOAN COKEN
    Apr 21, 2020

    I always sat with Mel and Mae at the pool in the same spot every day. Mel loved starting arguments with me and Mae was always trying to head them off. But it was part of our ritual every day to get into some kind of loud discussion. When he stopped going I did also. It was no longer a fun day. He knew every Lifeguard and everything that went on at the pool…. He and Mae was missed and will always be missed He was one of a kind. Rest in peace with Mae.

  9. Joe D'andrea
    Apr 21, 2020

    I didn’t know Mel for very long, but I considered him a friend. A friend that I’ve missed since moving. I was always learning New things from him. He was a true gentleman and a truly good guy. My heart goes out to his whole family.

  10. Arlene and Ed Bochner
    Apr 21, 2020

    Dear Ron,
    Sorry to read of your dad’s passing.
    He was a true gentleman and we were so pleased to have known him. Our sympathy to you and your family.
    Arlene and Ed

  11. Marcia and Bob Hicks
    Apr 21, 2020

    To the Klein Family – sorry to hear your sad news and wish we could be with you at this time. Thinking of all of you. Marcia Woolf Hicks and Bob Hicks

  12. Paul Orlando
    Apr 21, 2020

    Ron and Pam, to both of you as fellow college classmates and
    educational colleagues may I take this time to extend my sincere
    condolences on this sad occasion of your Dad’s passing. Mr. Kahn
    lived a long,long life in his Jewish faith ,surrounded by his large family which surely brought him many happy times. No matter the age I know he will be greatly missed. My sympathy and my best
    hope for better days .

  13. Ruth Albert
    Apr 21, 2020

    Dear Ron, Larry, and family,

    Mel was the most patriotic resident at Tamarisk. Because of his leadership we had wonderful attendance at all the events and services honoring the veterans and the military, as well as the accompanying red, white, and blue banners and flags decorating the outside and inside of our facility.

    I remember the pride he took in his family, and how he cared for your dear late mother, Mae, always wheeling her around and looking to her comfort.

    He had beautiful personal qualities, and he will be greatly missed.

    With sincere condolences,

    Ruth Albert

  14. Ellen Gourse
    Apr 22, 2020

    To the Kahn Family,

    I wanted to extend my condolences. I first met Mel and Mae over 40 years ago when I would go with my late parents to JWV Post #533 events. My parents were one of several couples to start the post and auxiliary.

    Mel was an active advocate for veterans especially at Tamarisk.

    My your memories help during this difficult time.

    Ellen Gourse

  15. John O’Leary
    Apr 22, 2020

    Please except my condolences on the passing of Mel. I am so sorry for the loss. He had a full life with so many accomplishments. The happy memories help to carry you through this sad time. Thank you for your service to our country.

  16. Anthony and Joan Feola
    Apr 22, 2020

    To the Kahn Family,
    We were so sorry to read of your father’s death. We have great memories of our times with your father and mother during our times at the UCT. May memories of happy times give you comfort at this time.
    Sincerely,
    Anthony and Joan Feola

  17. STANLEY L FREEDMAN
    Apr 22, 2020

    Dear Folks:
    My sincere condolences on your great loss.
    We all appreciate everything Mel has done in his long lifetime.
    Great patriot who loved our country.
    I would see Mel every Saturday in the sun room about 1:45
    waiting for the music to begin. We were sure to play our patriotic songs in honor of Mel. We will miss Mel and think of him every time we play those songs.
    May Mel rest in peace.

  18. Kathy
    Apr 23, 2020

    Dear Ron, Pam and Family,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your father and know how painful an experience this can be. I hope you find solace in your many fond memories and knowledge that he is resting in peace.

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