Melinda graduated from Wellsville High School in 1981. While raising a family she went to college at Alfred State to earn an Associates Degree as a Veterinary Technician. She taught at Alfred State College for one year in the same curriculum. She was employed by Alfred-Almond School as a fulltime substitute teacher for over 10 years until her illness was diagnosed in July 2011.
Melinda was the person that everyone went to for support and plain facts. Her biggest interest in life was her family and friends and was the center of her husband's life and love. She took great pride in watching her daughter and son grow and become who they are today. Her grandsons Collin and Ben were the light of her life. Melinda was a woman with abundant talents and energy who was very active in wildlife rescue and was certified for Wild Life Rehabilitation. She took a great interest in reading, baking, making quilts, and being the support for family and friends.
Surviving besides her husband is a daughter, Amanda (Brian) Preston of Belfast, a son Steven J. Frungillo II of Belmont, two grandchildren, Collin and Ben Preston of Belfast, her parents, Daniel and Patricia Gleason of Crossville, TN, one brother Lance Gleason of Atlanta, GA and mother-in-law Dorothy Frungillo of Belmont. Aunt Mindy was the special woman that made every niece and nephew feel more than loved. The many in-laws thought of Melinda as another sibling in their family and a great friend to many who will always remember her.
She will join her grandparents Bucky and Mary Gleason, father-in-law Donald Frungillo Sr., and her maternal grandparents.
Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont, NY. The funeral will be Monday, February 27th at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church on 289 N. Main St. in Wellsville, NY. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Belmont. Memorial donations may be made to Allegany County Cancer Services or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.