Victor Joseph Melone of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, at the age of 88. After several months of declining health, Victor died peacefully with his beloved wife Roseanna and family by his side.
Victor was born and raised in New York City. He was no stranger to hard work and ambition growing up. Born of Italian origin, his father, Eugene, was a headwaiter, and his mother, Louise, was a homemaker. Victor graduated from Xavier High School and St. Peters College with honors, achieving a degree in corporate finance. After Victor proudly served as First Lieutenant in Chemical Corps for the United States Army, he worked for IBM and completed his MBA at New York University.
Victor then turned his career to the New York financial community where his reputation as a young investment professional began to thrive. His dedication earned him positions as a Research Analyst and Private Placement and Portfolio Manager. He was recruited to Blyth & Company as the Director of Research and later appointed as a Director. He became a Registered Principal of the New York Stock Exchange, and a licensed Supervisory Analyst and Registered Representative. Dean Witter recruited him as the Director of National Research, and he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Dean Witter Corporation, where he managed the second largest research department in the industry.
Victor became a nationally known and respected investment professional. He travelled worldwide during his impressive tenure as President and CEO of the nation’s fourth largest bank’s investment subsidiary of its time, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co in NY, and adding to his accomplishments lastly as CEO of First of America Investment Corporation in Kalamazoo, MI.
The market watch wasn’t his only game. As a natural athlete, he enjoyed a good game of squash or tennis with his Wall Street buddies and a competitive jog around Central Park. With a passion for reading, Victor took great pleasure sitting outside with his pipe and the newspaper or a good book.
Retiring to Florida in the early 90s, Victor and Roseanna, became avid golfers and over the years played at renown courses ranging from Pebble Beach, California to Schonenberg, Switzerland. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining at home, dining out with dear friends, gardening and occasional boating.
During retirement, Victor’s appetite for intellect remained strong. He was on the Executive Committee (2006-2009) and the Finance Committee as Treasurer (2006-2009) and Assistant Treasurer (2010-2013) of The Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation Board; an Honorary Board member since 2014.
Victor is survived by his wife Roseanna Cubelli Melone; children Erica Brummer and Victor Melone; granddaughter Sophia Melone; stepchildren Rosanna Cubelli and Sandra Cubelli Chrabuszcz; and step-grandchildren John Chrabuszcz, Daniela Chrabuszcz and Francesca Chrabuszcz.
Victor J. Melone was a wonderful man and a loving husband. He was highly thought of and will be remembered by many as witty, charming and a true friend. The world is a lesser place without him. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.