Melissa M. Janidlo

Melissa (Wightman) Janidlo, 60, wife of Patrick Janidlo, passed away Wednesday, March 11, at Albany Medical Center with her family by her side.

Born in Manhattan to Stephen Skeates (deceased) and Rose Wightman, Melissa was raised in Andover and later Westfield, NY, by her mother and her adoptive father, Davie “Dave” Wightman (deceased). 

While attending SUNY Fredonia, she met Patrick, and they married soon after. She was the sister of Jennifer (Wightman) Shearer; the mother of Michael (Josephine “Jojo” Winter), Samuel, and Char; and recently held her favorite title—grandmother to Elizabeth, daughter of Michael and JoJo.

 Melissa worked for New York State at OPWDD, then OMH, and later returned to OPWDD as Director of Medicaid Compliance. She retired from the state in 2024 after more than 30 years of civil service. Melissa and Patrick loved to travel the world together. They visited museums and zoos, discovered amazing food (Duck in a Can!) and wines, hiked trails, and simply enjoyed exploring their surroundings.

While we understand that many would like to attend services and pay their respects to Melissa, she personally found funerals quite macabre. To honor her wishes, the family will host a celebration of her life in April. Those who would like to join are asked to reach out to a family member for additional information.

Donations in her name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or to help one of her favorite animals, elephants: https://protect.worldwildlife.org

Melissa will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.