Derek Melling, age 80 of Burgaw passed peacefully Monday October 5, 2026 at Cardinal Care of Jacksonville surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 12, 1946 in Wigan, England son of the late Thomas and Gertrude Melling.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Elliott Melling; two sons, Daren Melling and wife Lora of AZ, and Andrew Melling and wife Brooke of CA; four grandchildren, Ian, Deven, Gavin, and Olivia; and two brothers, Desmond Melling and Steven Melling.

Derek immigrated to New Hampshire in the 1970 and then moved to San Diego in 1973 where he worked at Solar Turbines as an engineer designing Turbine engines. He was a huge soccer and rugby fan. Upon moving to San Diego he formed the San Diego Rovers, a soccer team, which celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. After retirement his favorite thing to do was watch his grandchildren play soccer.

He will be laid to rest in San Diego where a service will be announced in the near future.