Kenneth Melnikoff

WORCESTER – Kenneth Melnikoff, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at UMASS Medical Center, surrounded by the loving presence of his family and friends. A lifelong resident of Worcester, Ken was born to Nathan and Minnie (Jenkins) Melnikoff and was the youngest of eleven siblings.

After graduating from Commerce High School, Ken’s career spanned many years as a proofreader in the printing and publishing industry. He later retired after 17 years of dedicated service as a greeter at the information desk at UMASS Memorial, a job he greatly enjoyed.

Throughout his life, Ken exemplified strength, resilience, and grace. Despite lifelong diabetes that ultimately led to the debilitating loss of a limb, Ken never bemoaned his illness. His unwavering positivity and spirit became a source of inspiration to others, especially those facing their own challenges with amputation. His legacy is defined not only by his strength but also by his kind heart, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor.

Ken was a man who truly appreciated the simple joys of life. He had a deep love for animals and was a proud owner of many pets throughout his years. Music also held a special place in his heart — he loved singing Frank Sinatra’s classic songs, often serenading family and friends with his renditions.

Above all, Ken cherished his family. He delighted in opening cards filled with lottery tickets and always shared the love he had for his loved ones. In his younger years, he also nurtured a beautiful flower garden, a testament to his gentle nature and love for life. Beyond his immediate family, Ken’s generosity extended to sponsoring young children in Honduras, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those he helped.

Ken will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his two brothers, Noah and Harold, his devoted nieces, nephews, longtime friend and caregiver Christopher Ford, the adoring Demers family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was predeceased by his parents and eight of his siblings: Samuel, Beatrice, Martin, Isabelle, Ruth, Hazel, Muriel, and Bessie.

A Funeral Service in honor of Ken’s memory will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A private Interment will follow at Worcester Hebrew Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, 260 Cochituate Road #200,Framingham, MA 01701 (www.diabetes.org).