Roger Thomas Mellen

It is with great sadness that the family of Roger Thomas Mellen of Syracuse, NY, announces his passing home to God at the age of 83.

Roger was born on November 29, 1942, in Rome, NY. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and headed off to boot camp at Camp Lejeune, where he began his four years of service. His military service was one of his proudest achievements. The year after he returned home, he met his wife-to-be, Ann Fayette, while she was working as a nurse at Rome Hospital. A few months later, they were engaged and married the following year. Roger worked at Revere Copper & Brass for 25 years. In 1987, he established his own businesses, Rome Archery and Peach’s Ice Cream, which he ran until 2004. Roger and Ann raised their two children in Rome and lived there until March 2026, when they moved to Syracuse to be closer to their family.

Roger was an avid bow hunter. From a young age, he spent time with his dad and relatives hunting in Oxford, NY. They started off sleeping in a station wagon before graduating to various trailers that were parked in a neighboring yard. In 2008, Roger bought land and built his own hunting camp, his pride and joy. He loved spending time there with his son, son-in-law, grandsons and friends. When he hung up his bow, he sat in tree stands with his grandsons, showing them the ropes. Roger might have enjoyed that just as much as hunting himself. He also enjoyed competitive trapshooting with friends.

Roger developed a passion for woodworking later in life. He had a shop in his basement where he kept all his tools and gadgets. He spent endless hours making all kinds of furniture, as well as many crafts and holiday projects for friends and family.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, William and Pearl Mellen; in-laws, Austin and Irene Fayette; and brother-in-law, Joseph Fayette.

Surviving are his loving wife of 61 years, Ann of Syracuse; son, David (Julie) Mellen of Syracuse; daughter, Audrey (Jeff) Carpenter of Jamesville; grandchildren, Michael (Lexi) Mellen, Nicholas (Ryleigh) Mellen, Emilee (Nick) Phillips, Jenna Mellen, Adam Carpenter, Katie Mellen and Jack Mellen; great-grandchildren, Henry Mellen and Amelia Phillips; sister-in-law, Sandra Fayette of Palm Springs, CA; brother-in-law, Steven (Leslie) Fayette of Rome, NY; sister, Sandra (Rob) Galla of Rome, NY; several nieces and a nephew; and his most beloved dog, Max.

To celebrate Roger’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Roger will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.