Melville L. Kries Sr.

Melville Kries, Sr., passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on October 8, 1931, Melville lived a life defined by service, generosity, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

A lifelong resident of Washington, Melville graduated from Washington High School in 1949, where he was a standout triathlete, and went on to attend Churchman’s Business School. His love of athletics extended beyond high school, as he later played semi-professional football for the Washington Blue Devils. He was a dedicated businessman and employee, owning a local sporting goods store and later working for Smith Motors for an extraordinary 52 years—an achievement that reflected his strong work ethic, loyalty, and integrity.

Melville proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, a chapter of his life he carried with quiet pride and honor.

Above all else, Melville’s heart belonged to the youth of his community. For decades, he devoted countless hours to mentoring and coaching generations of children. He coached Little League baseball for 32 years and was instrumental in the development of youth football in Washington, where he served as a coach for six decades. His commitment never wavered; even into his late 80s, he remained actively involved, serving on the organization’s Board as Treasurer.

Melville was also a founding member of the Washington Recreation Commission, where he played a key role in the planning and development of Meadow Breeze Park—now considered one of the area’s premier community parks. In recognition of his lifelong dedication and lasting impact, Melville was inducted into the Warren County Hall of Fame in 2018 for his extraordinary contributions to the community.

Outside of his many commitments, Melville found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved collecting sports memorabilia, searching for treasures at yard sales and auctions, bowling, spending afternoons at the horse races, and following all sports—especially his beloved New York Giants. Yet, despite his many interests, nothing brought him greater joy than his family.

A devoted family man, Melville’s greatest love was his family. He was deeply cherished by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was their constant supporter, rarely missing a game, practice, or event. He was their role model, their steady presence, and their loudest cheerleader. His kindness, generosity, and selflessness extended far beyond his family, touching the lives of countless people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Melville was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Levi Kries and Blanche Kries.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Barbara Kries; his children, Chip Kries and his wife Jody of Washington Township, Randy Kries and his wife Kellye of Washington Township, and Melanie Deemer and her husband Pete of Washington Township; seven grandchildren, Jason Kries and his wife Kristen, Derek Kries and his wife Joan, Kyle Kries and his wife Nicole, Nicole Deemer Smith and her husband Ron, Kayla Deemer, Colby Deemer and his wife Juli, and Shane Deemer and his girlfriend Lexi; and his great-grandchildren, Logan, Olivia, Lilly, Gracie, Blake, Austin, Elijah, Eloise, Bailey, Zachary, Mason, Oakley, Tucker, Aaila, Beau, and Levi.

Those who knew Melville will remember him as a gentle soul with a generous heart—a man who gave without expectation, led without ego, and loved without limits. His legacy lives on in the community he helped shape, the lives he influenced, and the family who adored him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday January 2, 2026 from 4-7 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home. 234 W. Washington Ave, Washington. NJ 07882. A funeral Service celebrating Melville’s life will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Greenstone UMC Church Of Washington. 116 E. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ. Interment will follow at Montana Mountain Cemetery in Harmony. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.WarrenHills MemorialHome.com