Gilbert "Jay" Melow, 93, of Rock Island passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at home. Graveside services will be 10 am Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be left in care of Compassus Hospice.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Jay was born on February 9, 1929 in Rock Island, a son of Gilbert and Mary (Hermann) Melow. He married Helen I. VanDuyne on May 31, 1958 and she preceded him in death on June 6, 2016. He worked as a mechanical engineer at the Rock Island Arsenal for 26 years.

Upon retirement, he and Helen began spending their winters in Florida, where they also enjoyed taking Caribbean cruises. While at home during the summer, they would spend time at Camp Hauberg. For over 50 years, he enjoyed square dancing, both here and in Florida. Jay also had a passion for golfing and fishing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Marilyn Ostrom, Davenport; several nephews; and special friends, Bryan Paulsen and Darwin Rickertsen, Rock Island.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents; and brother, Kenneth Melow.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lighthouse Homecare and Hospice Compassus for all of their help.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.