Captain Melvin Chernin's Final Flight

Melvin Chernin, a proud military veteran, independent businessman, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 90. He died in his sleep with his beloved wife, Kathie Nugent, by his side.

Mel was born on December 31, 1934, in Queens, New York.  He was the third child of Russian immigrants, Louis and Mary, who had fled the Belarusian pogroms of the early 1900s. Mel's lifelong dream was to fly. He joined the ROTC program in college, a decision that launched his distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. As Captain Melvin Chernin of the 19th Air Refueling Squadron, he served with honor and dedication. He was stationed at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts and spent long periods on assignment with the Strategic Air Command in Greenland and the Azores, conducting vital mid-air refueling operations to maintain airborne security patrols during the Cold War.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1964, Mel began a new career in commodities sales and distribution. Under the mentorship of his father-in-law, Jack Schumack, he quickly became a trusted supplier of wheat flour, soy, and other baking goods to a diverse clientele across the five boroughs of New York, from bakeries and Chinese noodle manufacturers to Sabrett Hot Dog vendors. In 1981, he incorporated Chernin Brokerage, with a clear mission to serve small, independent bakeries that were struggling with industry changes. For decades, he was more than a supplier; he was a trusted advisor to hundreds of customers, a role he cherished well into his 80s.

Outside of his work, Mel was a man of many passions. He was an avid skier, a fresh water fisherman, a skilled model airplane enthusiast, harmonica player, and a connoisseur of the "dry Martini". As his health declined and skiing and boating became impossible, he found immense joy in flying with the RC Bush Pilots Club. When he could no longer fly, he became a master of Rummikub. Mel was known for his stubbornly independent spirit, endless curiosity, and a deep appreciation for a simple life, free of excess. He was frugal to a fault and skilled at repairing and maintaining things, believing it foolish to buy new when something existing could be fixed. Above all, Mel was a deeply loyal friend and family member. He never missed an opportunity to enjoy outings, celebrate special events, pay respects and share words of encouragement. He took great pride in the accomplishments and milestones of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Kathie's large, extended family.

Melvin is survived by his devoted wife, Kathie Nugent Chernin; his children, Philip Chernin (Alicia Hsu) and Michelle Luwish (Shlomo); his stepson, Philip Ciabattoni (Valerie Villanueva); his grandchildren, Arielle Chernin (Kyle Williams), Keith Chernin (Leah Harakawa), Melanie Chernin, Gavriel Binyomin Luwish and Michoel Dov Luwish; his great-grandchildren, Regan and Emerson Williams; his nieces, Lisa and Susan Rosenberg and his nephews, Bruce and Sandy Chernin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mary Chernin; his first wife, Rita Schumack Chernin; his siblings, Mickey Rosenberg (Bernie) and Harold Chernin (Leah); his nephew, Sheldon Rosenberg, and his step-daughter, Tara Ciabattoni.

Mel's last years were brightened by his loving and skillful caregivers, Sophie and America.

A celebration of Melvin's life with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, Florida, 33449.  The family will receive friends starting at 12 Noon. He will be interred at the South Florida National Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Massachusetts ME/CFS and FM Association,  PO Box 690305,  Quincy, MA  02269-0305.  Tax ID:  04-3014644. www.Massmecfs.org