Melvin A. Nowotny

Melvin Arthur Nowotny, age 92, of Centerville, OH, passed away on October 6, 2025.

Mel was born on April 19, 1933 in Dayton, OH. After graduating from Northridge High School, Mel joined the navy and served in the Korean War. While in the navy, Mel met Connie Hendershot, married after a short courtship, and were lifelong partners.

After the navy, Mel attended vocation school and completed his apprenticeship in the field of plumbing. Mel was highly successful in the trade until his retirement in 1995 at age 62.

Mel was a dedicated outdoorsman. He loved to hunt deer, game birds and rabbits, as well as wild mushrooms. Mel’s real passion until his final days was fishing. Family vacations were typically camping trips where fishing was the main event. His favorite destinations were Michigan and Minnesota. Related to his passions of hunting and fishing, Mel also enjoyed taxidermy. He had many displays of his trophy fish and game which were a favorite topic of conversation with family, friends and neighbors.

Mel was the ultimate Do-It-Yourself-er. He always had some sort of project happening at his house, from replacing flooring to wallpaper and painting as well as any plumbing and electrical projects. Mel was constantly working in the yard, planting trees and shrubs and laying patio blocks.

Mel is survived by his two children, daughter, Tara Sue Hood and son, Al Gus Nowotny, son-in-law Douglas Hood, daughter-in-law, Penny Sue Nowotny, granddaughters Lindsay Brooke McElmurray and Ashley Nowotny Miller, and great-grandsons Nolan Andrew and Graham Thomas McElmurray.

Mel contributed to many charity projects, with Boys Town being a long time favorite. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boys Town in honor of Mel Nowotny.