Mel Troia

Mel, age 95, died peacefully on June 3, 2025 at Hebron Oaks, Madison, Wisconsin from complications resulting from a hip fracture.

Mel was born at home on to Natale Troia, an immigrant from Termini Immerse, Sicily and Sundine D’Angelo Troia in the “Greenbush” neighborhood of Madison, Wisconsin. Theirs was an arranged marriage, coordinated by Natale’s good friend and Sundine’s brother-in-law Carlo Caruso. They were married the second time they met in 1919. Natale died in 1944 from complications due to exposure to mustard gas in WW I. Mel was the last surviving member of five siblings, Joe, August and Phil Troia, and Rosemary Troia Baker.

He attended St Joseph’s School in Madison and St. Norbert’s in De Pere, WI for High school where he was sponsored by Tony Canadeo who is in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Mel returned to Madison for his senior year of high school at Central High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track. After graduating in 1947, he was recruited to play basketball at UW Madison by Coach Harold “Bud” Foster but had to go to work for the Milwaukee Road Railroad Company to support his mother and younger sister. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951and spent two years in Post WW II Germany. When Mel returned from Europe, he returned to work at the Milwaukee Road Railroad until he was hired by the Madison Fire Department In August of 1955. He was proud to have been the first Italian-American to be hired by the department. He served for thirty-two years becoming a Lieutenant in 1967.

Mel married Barbara Gregory in 1954 and they divorced in 1992. They had three children Sue, Mel, and Don. On September 7,1996 he Married Judy Griffin and they had twenty-eight wonderful years together.

Mel was known as an ardent storyteller and an expert bluegill fisherman. He frequently shared his bounty by hosting a fish fry at Parman’s Service Station, The Shoe Shop, and his backyard.

An outstanding athlete, he jogged and pitched fast-pitch softball until he was seventy-two. Wanting to share his love of the game, he coached Little League Baseball fifteen years. Mel took up biking, hiking, and skiing with Judy and continued to be physically active at Oakwood University Woods visiting the Fitness Center every morning. He loved his garden and was proud of his baskets of tomatoes he harvested and shared every year.

Mel was a man of quiet strength, a gentle presence with occasional stubbornness as he fought to maintain his independence. His caring nature often found him reaching out to others without expecting anything in return. His positive attitude was noticed by all who crossed his path.

He is loved and missed by his wife Judy, children Sue, Mel and Don, step-daughter Meredith, seven grandchildren, one great grandson, numerous nieces and nephews, the Wienke family, and many loving friends. Thank you Dear Mel, for enriching our lives with your presence.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison. A reception will follow in the Cress community room.

We are thankful to the staff at Hebron Rehabilitation Center and Bristol Hospice for their care and comfort during his last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

You are encouraged to honor his life by giving someone a smile and a “high five”.

Please share your memories of Mel by posting in his guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434