Dr. Melvin G. Goldstein

Dr. Melvin G. Goldstein, the long-time meteorologist for Connecticut’s Channel 8 news team known to most as “Dr. Mel,” died on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a 16-year battle with cancer.  He lived in East Haven and was 66. Goldstein retired from Channel 8, an ABC affiliate, in August 2011.
“I mainly want to be remembered as I am – honest, helpful to others, always around when needed.  I can’t think of a better tribute than that, and it is something for which I will always be grateful,” he said upon his retirement.  “I have worked hard in an area that I truly love.”
Born in Lynn, Mass. on Oct. 23, 1945 to the late Irving & Mollie (Segal) Goldstein, Dr. Mel developed his fascination with weather as a child growing up in Swampscott, Mass.  He went on to earn degrees from Penn State University and New York University, where he earned a Ph.D.  He also later received honorary doctorates from Albertus Magnus College and Mitchell College. Before becoming an on-air meteorologist, he taught at Western Connecticut state university where, in 1970, he created a bachelors degree program in the subject, as well as a state-of-the-art weather center. He switched to a career in broadcast media in the early 1970s and by 1976 his radio reports were carried on stations throughout the country.  He began doing television in the 1980s and became chief meteorologist at WTNH-TV (Channel 8) in 1986.
He was also the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Weather” and “Dr. Mel’s Connecticut Climate Book.” The profits of the latter are donated to cancer research.
As news of Dr. Mel’s passing spread, remembrances poured in from dignitaries and community leaders all across Connecticut.
Senator Joseph Lieberman remembered Dr. Mel for his “warm personality and excellent meteorology” “whose “service and commitment ot our state will not be forgotten.”
Goldstein, said Senator Richard Blumenthal, “made every day brighter regardless of the weather. He faced both life and death with profound and powerful grace, caring and courage.” Goldstein is survived by his wife Arlene (Stein) Goldstein and his daughters Laura (Steven Vine) Goldstein of Newtown and Melodie Foster of New York, his grandson Eric Vine, and his sister Brenda (Arnold) Jacobson.  He was buried in the Temple Beth Tikvah section of Beaverbrook Cemetery in Clinton.