Obituary: Neil Mellen, 89, Of Monroe, Founder Of Town Fair Tire

Information and Photo Courtesy Diane Mellen

MONROE, CT — Neil Mellen, founder of Town Fair Tire, was born Nov. 13, 1934 to Etta and Mack Mellen in the Bronx, New York. Neil attended NYU where he studied mechanical engineering. He worked weekends during college selling auto parts, after having worked at his father’s auto parts store in high school, and was eventually offered a small space at the Stratford Town Fair, in Stratford, by Sidney Milwe, who saw his energy and his potential. With hard work, focus and sheer joy for what he did, Neil opened the first Town Fair Tire store in Fairfield in 1967. And with a clear vision – to create the first supermarket of tires — and unbridled drive, Neil and his team grew the company exponentially to 115 stores across New England.

Neil was a visionary leader with a keen intellect, and a man of uncommon compassion and integrity. He was one of the unusual businessmen who wedded success with philanthropy. Neil had a passion for helping underprivileged individuals and families, including among them young people seeking education, people with disabilities and those in need of medical care, families who are food insecure and wrongfully convicted individuals. Neil was responsible for numerous scholarships and made anonymous gifts to scores of nonprofits, he served on the Board of the University of Bridgeport, and countless educational institutions, medical centers, charities, and individuals have been touched by his generosity.

Neil loved his employees, and he made every effort to help them learn and thrive in business and life. Neil was an avid hiker, runner, cyclist and cross-country skier who appreciated the beauty of nature and quietude of peaceful surroundings. An unassuming, private, serenely beautiful human being, Neil touched the lives of many people, leaving his legacy for future generations.

Neil Mellen passed on Jan. 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Diane Mellen; his daughter, Debbie Mellen Wegeleben and her husband Scott; and his brother Michael Mellen; he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Mellen.

As an expression of sympathy, Neil’s family has suggested that donations in his honor may be sent to:

• Covenant House – a nonprofit serving New York City youth experiencing homelessness
• Carpinteria Arts Center – a nonprofit in Southern California helping a diverse population from youths to seniors through the arts and education
• St. Martin de Porres Academy – a middle school academy for underprivileged young people in the New Haven area