Melvin W. Banker

Melvin W. Banker, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 2, 2023. He was born in Schenectady on December 1, 1937 to the late Walter and H. Hope Hyatt Banker. He was raised in Rotterdam and graduated from Draper High School. He entered the Air Force/ Air National Guard in 1955 and was Honorably Discharged in 1961. Mel married Carolyn DeSylvester in December 1960. He worked in the electrical field as a lineman and then went on to own and operate United Electrical Contruction Company until his retirement. Mel was an avid racecar enthusiast, and in his younger years he owned and raced fast cars, that he won trophies for. He also built a drag boat, which also won trophies. He was a real outdoorsman and hunted in his younger years. Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn DeSylvester Banker; his children, David (Edie) Banker, Cathy (Jim) Finn, Robin Banker (Jean Brown), and Terri Elliott; his grandchildren, David Banker, Sarah (Mike) Sanson, and Caitlin Finn; his siblings, Doris (John) Baier, Lorraine (Chuck) Knowles, and Elwood (Pat) Banker; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday September 8th from 10 to 11:30am at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, with a service at 11:30am. He will then be interred immediately following at Memory Gardens in Colonie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 3528, Schenectady, NY 12303-0528. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.