Dr. Ian John Mellanby

  Dr. Ian John Mellanby:  Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Son-in-Law, Bassist, Fisherman, Boater, Golfer, Publisher, Car Enthusiast, Engineer and, most of all, friend to so many, passed away on September 29, 2022 in Philadelphia, PA.
  Ian was born January 16, 1963, and spent his early years in Leeds.  Some of his fondest memories were of going to Elland Road with his family to watch Leeds United, the greatest in the land.  A talented student, Ian finished his studies with a PhD in Metallurgy and Materials Science from Nottingham University.
  Ian started working in the publishing field and moved to Paris, the city that would become his second home, where he made life-long friends.  In the 1990s, Ian moved to Northern Liberties and started Old City Publishing Inc. with his friend Guy. 
  Ian built community wherever he went, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and shared interests - he was always up for a chat and a visit.  In many ways he functioned as an events coordinator, creating music fests, the 700 FC pickup league on Tuesday nights, establishing a tailgating tradition at Philadelphia Union matches, an annual soccer game on the beach, fishing tournaments, and hosting barbecues and meals for every occasion.
  Family was very important to him.  His weekly Skype calls with Pauline and Karen were just one way the Mellanby family remained close and shared lots of laughs.  Extended visits in Lougborough and London and great times in Wilbur by the Sea, Florida brought him much joy.  Ian truly loved being a Dad and spending time with his daughter, Violet.  Chats and bike rides brought with them the gift of Ian seeing her grow and become her own person.  The Saverino family welcomed Ian as part of the family, and he became Uncle Ian, referee for games and arbiter of grievances.  We will cherish all of our memories - the stories around the table, life lessons, vacation time in Maine and Riverhead, the road trips, bass lessons, the Leeds United love, golfing, epic fishing, and more. 
  He loved having a partner for his adventures, his plans, and his celebrations as well as his challenges, and he and Barbara joined together to form a solid base, one that became the center of both of their lives.  Ian was one for sharing and for talking and imagining what could be on the horizon, and his visions stay with Barbara even as his voice is not right here.
  Ian was a talented bassist who played since a young lad in Leeds.  Some of his bands were The Word Association, Jack, The Northern Liberties Dance Band, 56 Men, the Wilbur Whalers.  He also created a record label, Wilbur Records which released work from A.M. Mills and I Think Like Midnight.
  Relatives and friends are invited to Ian's Memorial Celebration on Saturday, November 12 at St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 4th and Fairmount in Northern Liberties.  A memorial service will be at 1 PM with a gathering in the church hall after.
 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Ian John Mellanby, please visit our floral store.