John Meleney Was Active in Island Yachting Club

John Meleney of Westwood and Vineyard Haven died May 27 in Westwood. He was the son of Mary and Clarence Meleney of New York and Oak Bluffs.

John, usually called Jack, was graduated from the Taft School, Dartmouth College and Yale Law School. He was a partner retired from the law firm of Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett in New York city.

Mr. Meleney was an enthusiastic sailor and active in sailing programs of the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, where in the 1970s he served as commodore.

His interests were wide. In addition to sailing, he was a respectable photographer and had at one time a fine garden at his Vineyard Haven home. In retirement, he earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of South Carolina.

Mr. Meleney's grandparents purchased a summer home on East Chop in about 1886. He and many other descendants have enjoyed summers on the Vineyard ever since.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian; two sons, Christopher and Alexander, and five grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Martha's Vineyard Hospital.