Reverend Melvin McCarley

Reverend Melvin McCarley, 96, of Danbury, died peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026. He was the loving husband of Mrs. Juanita (Johnson) McCarley.

Melvin was born on January 6, 1930 in Camden, SC; a son of the late Blake and Mamie (Thompson) McCarley. 

A resident of Danbury since 1951, Melvin was a retired shipping and receiving clerk. He worked shipping and receiving at Graphic Sciences (later known as Burroughs) and Exxon, then was employed at Ethan Allen where he retired from in 1985. After retirement, he also held jobs as a driver for Almost Home adult daycare, a flower deliverer for Don's Flowers, and an associate at Marshalls and Caldor. In the earlier years he worked as a Fuller Brush salesman and a dishwasher at White Turkey Inn.

Melvin was an associate pastor of the Mount Pleasant AME Zion Church, Danbury at the time he retired from the clergy. He was previously an associate pastor at Mt. Olive AME Zion church in Waterbury, CT and Walters Memorial in Bridgeport, CT. Throughout his ministerial career, he received appointments to pastor at Walls Memorial in Norwalk, CT, Shaw Temple in New Haven, CT and Evers Memorial in New Haven, CT.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the keyboard and baking – he was especially known for his carrot cake, pineapple coconut cake and fruitcake for all of which he received many requests. He also enjoyed many years of camping with his family.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Juanita as well as their two daughters: Kristie Velez and her husband, Bruno Silva and Angela Richeme and her husband, Matthew Dodd. Melvin is also survived by his grandchildren: Daniel Richeme, Darion Richeme and his wife, Holly Bly, Mickey Richeme and his wife, Caitlin Bouaravong, Jerel Velez, Devon Richeme and Terence Velez as well as one great grandchild, Myles Richeme. In addition, Melvin is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was predeceased by brothers Blake, Belton, John and Claude and sisters Magdalene, and Mamie.

A home going funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Mount Pleasant AME Zion Church; 69 Rowan Street, Danbury. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. Family and friends will be received on Saturday morning, March 14, 2026 at Mount Pleasant AME Zion Church beginning at 10:00 AM. Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.