Melvin Ascher, age 89, of Harrisburg, passed away on December 17, 2020 due to complications from COVID 19 at Country Meadows, Mechanicsburg, PA.

Mel, as he liked to be called, was born on January 18, 1931 and was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the oldest of three children to late father, Isaac Ascher and mother, Fannie Lightman Ascher. From the time he was a little boy and until the day of his passing, he was an avid sports fan. Mel went to work for his family business as a contractor during his teenage years. After graduating from Boston University, he then joined the Navy for the United States Military. After serving in the United States Military for 4 years, he went back home to work for his family business. He then married Sandra Yoffee and moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to start a family and worked as an insurance agent for his father-in-law's agency.

Mel became the father to three children of his own, Iris, Amy, and David and attended many of their special events during their childhood. He was involved with the community, serving as the president of the local Little League Association, the Parent Teacher Organization, and President of the Brotherhood of Temple Ohev Sholom. He also strived to be active with other Jewish organizations. Divorced, Mel moved to Hollywood, Florida to be closer to his mother, sister Rita, and started a beverage warehouse business with his best friend and brother Albert. Melvin was always a warm weather person who enjoyed the palm trees, swimming, and became a Miami Dolphins fan. His other passion was buying and selling stocks in the stock market. He always enjoyed learning about the companies he invested in and their history. Even up to the week before he passed away, he was still calling his son with stock tips and telling others at his assisted living facility what stocks to invest in.

As Mel entered his later years in life, he moved back to Harrisburg, PA to be closer to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His later years were filled with so much joy and happiness being around them and attending their special occasions, always saying how proud he was of his family. Mel will be remembered as a true mensch with a big heart. He was loved by so many people for his funny sense of humor, his love for sports, and his warm smile. He genuinely loved his family in Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. He always lived life to the fullest and family was everything.

Mel is survived by his loving sister Rita Ulman, his sister-in-law Brenda Ascher, his loving children Iris Klinepeter (husband Eddie), Amy Ascher, David Ascher (wife Ellen), his grandchildren, Abbey Klinepeter Gibson (husband Matt Gibson), Courtney Klinepeter (husband Juan Febus), Brandon Ascher, Rachel Ascher, and Stuart Ascher, his precious great-grandchildren Jade, Stella, his stepgreat-granddaughter Kaleigh Lopez, and his nieces, nephew, and cousins in Florida. Mel conquered many health obstacles and fought each day like a true warrior. May our Star Mel shine bright in heaven.

A graveside ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Melvin Ascher can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. The website to make a donation is www.rmhc-centralpa.org.