Obituary of Mel Morganstein

Mel Morganstein, age 77, resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, died on April 25, 2018, surrounded by his friends and family after a long struggle with kidney cancer.

Mel was born in Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1940, to Louis and Edith Morganstein.  He lived most of his life in D.C. and suburban Maryland, but in retirement moved to Charlotte, N.C.  Mel leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Judy Roth Morganstein, daughter, Dr. Barrie Morganstein (Matthew Goldstein) and granddaughter, Lila Goldstein all of Charlotte, N.C., brother, David Morganstein (Sheue-Ling) of Germantown, Maryland, and many nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved brother, Ansel Morganstein (Sondra).

Mel graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park and worked as a chemical engineer for the Department of the Army, Harry Diamond Laboratories, and his work led to the creation of many patents.  He was also a portrait and event photographer in the suburban Maryland area, and received much gratification from capturing the happy and significant moments during weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

Mel was a people person and his friendships spanned all ages, ethnicities, and political views.  He was a mentor to other photographers, was active in his synagogue, was involved in his community through his work in Mecklenburg Court Watch, and supported the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation by raising over $20,000 in their motorcycle Ride for Kids.  Mel loved to tell jokes and brought laughter and fun wherever he went.  He was patriotic and loved America.  Mel fought his cancer for 6 ½ years by living his life to the fullest and never feeling sorry for himself.  He was an inspiration to all who knew him.  He will be greatly missed!

A celebration of Mel’s life will be held on Sunday, April 29^th at 3:00 PM at Temple Beth El 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, N.C.  Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 933 Louise Avenue, Suite 101B, Charlotte, N.C. 28204; the Levine Cancer Institute, 1021 Morehead Drive, Charlotte, N.C.; Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, N.C.