DONALD E. MELLON

March 14, 1925 – June 10, 2015

 “I didn’t know whether he was a friend or foe,” long-time Pearl River resident Terry Anselmi said, recalling the first time she met the mysterious, helmeted biker in the black leather jacket who pulled up on his Harley to where a group of prolifers were protesting near an abortion clinic on Route 59 in Tallman many years ago.

He turned out to be a friend — great friend – to many of us and to the prolife movement here in Rockland County. His name was Don Mellon.

Don was a soft-spoken, gentle man with a big heart – a loving husband to his beloved wife, Joan, a generous, devoted family member, a devout Catholic, a college professor and author who would “gladly learn and gladly teach,” and an ardent, committed pro-lifer with a love for life.

Don was a member of the Rockland Right to Life Committee Board of Directors for many years in the 1980s. His intelligence, courage, and enthusiasm guided us, and his unfailing good humor sustained us through many difficult times.

He and Joan opened their lovely home for our board meetings, and there was always a big, chocolate cake and coffee prepared for us when we adjourned.

One of Don’s special contributions was running the annual the “canister campaign,” which organized volunteers to collect donations for Right to Life at churches throughout the county, our most successful fundraiser. Another special project of his was moderating a group of prolife college students in Bergen Community College where he taught business. He also ran for public office on the Right to Life Party line.

Don later moved to Florida for part of the year, but continued to return to Rockland where he was sure to be found at the October Life Chain and other prolife events. Don passed away on June 10. We miss him very much.

And when we think of Don, we think of that motorcycle. You could often spot it outside St. Augustine’s Church in New City during the 6:30 a.m. mass. And it’s nice to think he has a new parking spot now – right inside the Pearly Gates.