General Information

Full Name: Melvin Lawrence Golish, M.D.
Date of Death: Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Melvin Lawrence Golish, M.D., of Wayne, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 90.  Devoted husband of Margaret Golish (née Dafter). 

Beloved father of Robin Caiazzo (David), Steven Golish, Glen Golish (Rosa), and Tracy Scianna (Darrell Wicker), and stepfather of Christine (Mike) and Robbie (Michele).   Cherished grandfather of Kareem, Ariella, Leora, Shoshana, Yosef, Samantha, Lucas, and Marisa and great grandfather of two.

Melvin was born in Paterson in 1934.  He graduated from Eastside High and at the age of 16, he attended Marietta College in Ohio.  Melvin received his PhD in Bologna, Italy where he resided for many years, learning and practicing his Italian.  He completed his orthopedic surgical residency at Newark Beth Israel and established a practice in Paterson, with privileges at Barnert Hospital in Paterson and later at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. In 1970, Melvin relocated his family to Wyckoff and was also a founding member of the Cedar Hill Medical Center. He was one of the original founders of Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff. 

Melvin loved his wife, Peggy more than anything and his love for her allowed him to live the joyous life he deserved.  He cared deeply for his patients, developed friendships with their families, and always had an endless supply of stories to share with anyone whose ear he could get.  He taught us to be independent, have integrity, and be thankful of those who have served in the military and helped to protect our peace and freedoms. He was extremely proud  of the service his grandchildren  have provided (and continue to provide) to the Israeli Army.     

The family will be receiving friends and relatives for Shiva on Monday and Tuesday, at the Caiazzo home, 51 Denise Drive, Kinnelon, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Please be casual, which Melvin always requested.   

Memorial donations in memory of Melvin Golish may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.