Final Salute

Melvin Ralph Abney Jr., age 90, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born on June 21, 1935, he was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, resident of Slidell since 2005, and a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.

Melvin graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserve for 12 years, retiring as a Surveyor, Petty Officer Second Class; during his time alongside the Seabees (CBs). Outside of his service, Melvin began his working career as a butcher at Schwegmann’s. He later became a salesman who truly loved interacting with people and spent over 20 years with the Vivian J. Gelpi Company. He turned to shrimping fulltime aboard the M/V Capt. A, a venture that truly put his Seabee-acquired skills to the test. He later returned to sales in the marine industry.

To know Melvin was to know a man who cherished the simple joys of life over his nine decades-a good conversation, a shared laugh, a passion for teaching and learning history, a great storyteller, a blind carpenter, and time spent with the people he loved most. His true passion was shrimping, where he loved the open waters, reflecting his connection to the Louisiana way of life.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Pauline C. Piazza Abney; loving father of his five children, Melvin R. Abney III (Zena), Wayne G. Abney (Kathryn), Kenneth J. Abney (Elizabeth), Gregory P. Abney (Erin), and Tracey A. McCallef (Edward); as well as proud grandfather of his six grandchildren, Christopher Abney (Stephanie), Vanessa Abney, Nicholas Abney (Megan), Hannah Abney Wright (Keith), Heather McCallef Levy (Dalton), and Rebecca Abney, and his six great-grandchildren, Madison, Kylie, Matthew, Andrew, Noah, and Sienna.

Melvin was preceded in death by his grandmother, Celina Hingle Sylve, and his aunt, Sylvia Mary Sylve, both of whom raised him with love and unwavering support; his parents, Melvin Ralph Abney Sr. and Mildred Sylve; and his great-granddaughter, Agatha Abney.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, located at 1050 Robert Blvd, Slidell, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. A private interment will follow in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.