Melvin "Mel" V. Fillmann

Melvin “Mel” V. Fillmann, 84, of Marietta, PA and formerly of New Oxford, PA and District Heights, MD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at his home in Marietta, PA. 

Born Friday, December 24,1937, in Seat Pleasant, MD, he was the son of the late George and Dorothy (Stine) Fillmann.  

He was married to “Dolly” Margaret (Radtke) Fillmann for 30 years until her death on December 5, 1994. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy (Fillmann) Thomas, and his brother Gary Fillmann.

He is survived by three children: Sharon L. Fillmann, of Marietta, PA, Vernon L. Fillmann, married to Danielle, of West York, PA and Barbara J. Laws, married to Randall, of Tazewell, TN. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Anna Marie Jenkins, Thomas Saylor, Michelle Vaughn and Kaylee Hockensmith; 8 great grandchildren and his loving brother George “Sonny” Fillmann and Sister-in-Law, Louise, of South Burlington, VT; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and dedicated friends.  

Mel devoted his life to family, friends and motorcycles and cultivated a small farm in New Oxford, on his John Deere Tractor, growing corn, raising pigs, and having steer and horses for several years. He and his family were not so adept at raising farm animals - as they kept Angel, the pig, as a loving pet for more than 12 years. 

He was passionate and hooked-on motorcycles at a young age and enjoyed sharing stories of a few riding mishaps with his brother, Sonny. Mel was a life-long motorcycle rider of Harley-Davidson, Suzuki Burgman, and most recently a Can-AM Spyder. 

On his motorcycle, he was most free.  He and Dolly shared this passion on his Harleys in the 60s-70s. He “raised” his children on the back of his Harley Davidson and taught them to ride early on mopeds and dirt bikes.

He especially enjoyed his time as a member of the D.C. Ramblers Motorcycle Club, which recently celebrated an 85th Anniversary, and was formerly of Fort Washington, MD and now home to Hughesville, MD. He devoted years to his membership at the Club and was Member of the Year in 1974 and President in 1976.  

When not riding, he enjoyed hosting cookouts, pig roasts and social gatherings with Dolly, his family, friends, and DC Ramblers.  He enjoyed entertaining, having a good time and helping people.

Mel worked many years as an electrician for electrical contractors including Benfield Electric Company formerly of Forest Hills, MD and the former, Southern Maryland General Contractors of Hughesville, MD.

In the last several years, Mel supported and motivated his elderly friends to get up, to start walking, to keep moving and to enjoy life.  And he brought smiles to many that watched him ride.

Mel was born to ride; loved to ride; and lived to ride. A life well-lived, on his terms and with Full Throttle! 

A Graveside Service will be held at Noon on Thursday, October 13, 2022 in Washington National Cemetery, 4101 Suitland Road, Suitland, MD  20746.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 3:00-9:00 PM at the Marietta American Legion Post 466, 19 South Gay Street,  Marietta, PA  17547.  There will also be a Memorial Ride and additional Life Celebration at the DC Ramblers Motorcycle Club with details to follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Smedley-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 29 North Gay Street, Marietta, PA  17547.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mel’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA  17604, 717-735-9661, www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org

Condolences and memories may be shared at: www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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