About Us / Our Impact
Thank you for visiting the website for our beloved and precious Dan, or as he was sometimes affectionately called by his childhood nickname, “Doodle.” Dan was very special and unique. He had a contagious smile, warm personality, and the ability to connect instantly with diverse groups of people.
Dan was a lifelong Cherry Hill resident. He graduated from Cherry Hill High School East where he played football and basketball. Dan Melleby earned a reputation for being a gifted, highly competitive, courageous, and a strong leader. He proudly proclaimed to have the “heart of a cougar,” the school’s mascot.
Dan was academically successful while spending a total of two and a half years at Kings College before transferring to Rowan University, after sustaining a serious football injury. Dan spent the next three and one-half years completing his undergraduate studies, culminating with graduating from Rowan University in May of 2017 with a GPA of 3.8. In September of 2017, Dan began his career in the field of education as a 5th grade teacher at the Horace Mann School in Cherry Hill. He had a major impact on his students and the school’s staff in a short period of time.
Dan served in many roles and experienced so much in his short lifetime: son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend, student, teammate, teacher, summer recreation camp counselor, Wegman’s meat department employee, food and drink attendant at a bowling alley, a waiter at the Jersey shore, and even as an Uber driver. Things were never boring with Dan. He was so unique and there was always a Dan story to share with others.
Dan’s life was tragically cut short on December 13, 2017. Six simple words capture the essence of Dan’s life: “One life lived, many lives touched.” Dan was beloved by everyone with whom he crossed paths during his 25 years on this Earth, and in many cases, positively impacted their lives. He was beloved by all because he treated everyone with respect and kindness. Dan was a wonderful and compassionate young man. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel as though he was your best friend. Dan was a gift, a precious and beautiful gift. His family and friends wish to honor Dan’s impactful life and dedication to helping others by establishing the Dan Melleby Foundation.
Foundation Board
Bill Melleby – President
Harold Melleby, Jr. – Vice President
Cheryl Melleby – Secretary
Mike Beck & Family – Member
Adam Klein – Member
Andrew Mattes – Member
Tina Paglione – Member
Lorraine Santo & Family – Member
Anthony Lizzi – Chair of Event Committee
Chelsea Monahan – Vice Chair of Event Committee
Ryan Walsh – Vice Chair of Event Committee
Ryan Janney – Vice Chair of Event Committee
Our Mission
The Dan Melleby Foundation, Inc. is a tax exempt 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation. The Foundation is organized to continue Dan Melleby’s legacy of supporting the less fortunate and needy members of society and promoting local youth programs. In addition, the Dan Melleby Foundation is committed to promoting mental health initiatives, including suicide prevention.
The Dan Melleby Foundation, Inc. will support these causes and provide an annual scholarship for a graduating senior from Cherry Hill High School East by sponsoring an annual 5K at Cooper River Park.