WORCESTER-Jani J. Melka, 64, of 5 Hall Street, died Sunday, September 5th in UMass Hospital. He leaves his wife of 30 years Zhaneta (Plasa) Melka, 2 sons, Klodian and his wife Klodiana Melka of Spencer, and Ilir and his wife Eftijola Melka of Worcester. A brother Kristo Melka and a sister Athina Polloci predeceased him.
He was born in Dardhe, Korce, Albania on July 11, 1940, the son of Kosta Melka, born in Dardhe, Korce, Albania, and Ollga (Ktona) Melka, born in Dardhe, Korce, Albania. Mr. Melka and was a graduate of Tirana University in Albania. He came to Worcester in 1993 and worked for Demetria Delights in Shrewsbury for 12 years including the last 10 years as plant manager. In Albania Mr. Melka had worked as a mechanical engineer. He was a member of St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, the Free Organization of VATRA in New York City, WCUW Community Radio and he was a frequent guest on the Albanian Hour Radio Show. He was a very active planner for many Albanian events and participated in numerous fundraisers and events for the Albanian community in Worcester.
The funeral is Thursday, September 9th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a service at 11:00 AM in St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street. Burial is in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, September 8th, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.