Background
He was born to Frank Melville, Junior. and his wife, Jennie. After joining his father in his company, in 1909 Melville married Dorothy Bigelow.
Businessman philanthropist Chief Executive Officer
He was born to Frank Melville, Junior. and his wife, Jennie. After joining his father in his company, in 1909 Melville married Dorothy Bigelow.
Bachelor of Arts, Columbia, 1909. LL. Doctorate., Bard College, 1950, Hofstra College, 1954, Polytechnic Institute, 1961. Doctor of Humane Letters, Dowling College, 1973.
He donated 400 acres of land and money to establish the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1957, which has developed as a major public research institution. Following graduation in 1909, Melville joined his father"s shoe company, Melville Corporation. Upon the United States" entrance into World War I, Melville became a soldier of the United States Army.
After the war, Melville continued to work in his father"s company, eventually taking control of it in 1922.
At the time, he created the Thom McAn shoe line, which became popular. He was Chief Executive Officer of the corporation.
Melville settled in the Stony Brook area in western Suffolk County on Long Island, where he owned much land. From 1948 to 1949 he was the 66th President of the Saint Andrew"s Society of the State of New New York
Melville was very active in philanthropic works around the "Three Village" area (Stony Brook, Setauket, and Old Field) and the surrounding towns.
He supported the restoration and preservation of historic buildings in the area to encourage his vision of a New England village. Stony Brook was organized around a town green. He also supported conservation of natural areas, including the West Meadow Beach.
Another interest was education and he developed land for the high school in Setauket, which was named for him.
His larger contribution was the donation of 400 acres of land and money to New York state to establish what is now the Stony Brook University, which was founded in 1957. First operating with classes in Oyster Bay, its current campus opened in 1962.
Emphasizing teacher education in mathematics and sciences, the university has developed as a major public research institution in medicine and science. Governor West. Averell Harriman appointed Melville as chairman of the Council of the university, where he served for some years.
Melville died in 1977 and is buried in Setauket at the Caroline Church and Cemetery.
Served to captain Quartermaster Corps., United States Army, 1917-1918. Member Saint Andrews Society, American Bible Society (vice president). Clubs: University, Century, Union (New York City).
Married Dorothy Bigelow, April. Children: Margaret, Ruth, Frank III, David Bigelow.