Goodbye Joel

Around 10:45 am, Joel was riding when a drunken driver drove onto the shoulder and smashed her SUV into him and the guardrail. Her Ford Explorer dragged and pinned him down. Firefighters raised the vehicle off him, and Joel Melnikoff, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities charged Darlene Kawczak, 51, of Feura Bush with DWI after she failed field sobriety tests and more charges are pending. She was arraigned, released and is expected to return August 1. Joel’s funeral was Friday, July 7, in the Mendleson Chapel at Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville. Many family members, friends and coworkers gathered to pay their respects and remember him.

Joel and Darryl first met in 1987 while participating in the American Lung Association’s Inaugural TransAmerica Bicycle Trek from Seattle to Atlantic City. (Joel completed the 3,400-mile ride with no flat tires!) Their easy-going attitude, sense of humor and passion for the outdoors led to a continued friendship. Joel and Darryl shared many adventures together including hiking, bicycle touring and skiing. Team triathlons led to some hilarious stories (especially if it involved paddling) with Joel’s wife, Sue, swimming, Darryl biking and Joel running. An avid runner and longtime HMRRC member, Joel helped Darryl train for his first New York City Marathon.

Joel was always a part of our family’s milestones and we were there for his family too. He was a member of our wedding party, he helped us move into our home, and he and his family visited us in the hospital when our son was born. He loved his wife, Sue, and was dedicated to his children, Matt and Abby. At his funeral, his friend Jay remembered that every conversation included a mention of his children. Joel was very active in their lives and was always so proud of them.

He was employed as a physical therapist at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany for more than 20 years. He cared deeply for his patients. One of his responsibilities was teaching disabled veterans how to drive with a modified car. He felt that greater independence was important for their healing and quality of life.

The loss of Joel is a tragedy. As cyclists (or runners), we can be doing everything to be safe and obey the rules of the road, but unfortunately when we head out, we are at the mercy and whim of whomever decides to get behind the wheel. The only solace we can find is that Joel was optimistic about life and was doing something he enjoyed.

We will always remember Joel’s smiling face and kind, gentle demeanor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sue, Matt and Abby. Joel, we never got to say goodbye – we hope you are running up in heaven!

Love, Darryl & Mona

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