Dr Melvin G. Goldstein

Iconic Connecticut Meteorologist

Dr Melvin G. “Dr Mel” Goldstein, 66, of East Haven, devoted husband of Arlene (Stein) Goldstein, died at Yale-New Haven Hospital, January 18. Born in Lynn, Mass., October 23, 1945, he was the son of Mollie (Segal) and Irving Goldstein.

Dr Goldstein was a retired meteorologist for News 8, WTNH-TV, and Quinnipiac University’s WQUN radio, retiring in late 2011 from News 8 because of health issues. He was the force behind the Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University and began broadcasting as a way to make money for the program.

According to the Hartford Courant, Dr Goldstein received a PhD in Meteorology from NYU. Later he began teaching meteorology at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury in 1970. Dr Mel also established Connecticut’s first bachelor’s degree program in meteorology.

As a writer, for 20 years he wrote a column for the Hartford Courant, in Northeast Magazine, and wrote two books, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Weather and Dr Mel’s Connecticut Climate Book, the proceeds of which go to cancer research.

Dr Goldstein also started a scholarship program, sponsored by the state utility companies, to link WTNH-TV with students at WCSU. In October 2011, he received the Connecticut Broadcasters Association’s career achievement award.

On Wednesday, January 18, Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman released this statement: “Dr Mel was more than a meteorologist — with his charming character, warm smile and friendly personality, he became an icon in Connecticut and was loved by many. Over the years, he entered the homes of millions of residents and in many ways became a member of our own families. He dedicated his working life to ensuring that the residents of Connecticut were prepared for whatever tumultuous weather system may approach, and for that we are forever thankful. In true Dr Mel fashion, he always handled himself with grace and dignity. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and staff at WTNH. He will be missed.”

Dr Goldstein was the beloved father of Laura Goldstein, and father-in-law to her husband Steven Vine, of Newtown, and Melodie Foster of  New York. One sister and one grandson also survive Dr Goldstein.

Funeral services were scheduled at Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, 543 George Street, New Haven, Friday, January 20, at 10:30 am. The family will greet friends and relatives beginning at 9:15 am. Interment services will follow at the Temple Beth Tikvah section of Beaverbrook Cemetery, Route 145, Clinton.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, Inc, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405, or www.hospice.com

The Newtown Bee        January 20, 2012