Davin E. Mellus Dmd

NORTHAMPTON & DANVERS - Davin E. Mellus, DMD, 40, had an affinity for Diet Coke and Sour Skittles for breakfast and failed miserably at finding a hobby, but he died doing what he loved. He passed away September 16, 2014 at Baystate Medical Center.

Born on the North Shore of Boston, it was clear Davin had an innate talent for medicine.  His parents Edward and Virginia (Busteed) recognized his abilities early and worked incredibly hard to put him on a path for success.  He could’ve attended a more affordable school but they insisted that he attend St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, MA. His one act of rebellion was leaving New England for college in search of warmer weather.

Davin wised up and returned to New England where he started his lifelong pursuit in surgery. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and went onto complete a General Practice Residency at University of Vermont/ Fletcher Allen Healthcare and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA.

He developed a special interest in reconstructive surgery while treating soldiers with combat injuries acquired from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  Dr. Mellus served on the facial trauma team at Baystate Medical Center and served in his private practice, Facial Cosmetics and Maxillofacial Surgery in East Longmeadow, MA.  Even though colleagues benefited from his wisdom and experience, he felt being a mentor was a vital source of knowledge for him.

He was gracious with his expertise, constantly offering to help others.  Everyone’s ailment was his problem.  His living room became an outpatient clinic.  He never charged firefighters or police officers when they came to his practice.

He was gregarious and used humor to get through tough situations, including a time when he explained to a Genius at the Apple Store Genius Bar that the multiple shirtless photos of Hugh Jackman were motivation to get to the gym. Indeed, he could’ve eaten better, exercised more, and taken more vacations, but Davin did say that if he won the lottery he would’ve defected to Paris and put berets on his pugs.

Davin was a man with many fixations, including watches, the History Channel, and socks, just to name a few.  He died in between patients.  Even if it was untimely, it was poetic to say the least.

Besides his parents, he leaves scores of people whose lives he touched.  Dr. Mellus is survived by his parents, his wife Jill Weinberg, a brother Braun Mellus of Danvers, MA, parents-in-law Marc and Patricia Weinberg of Fernandina Beach Island, FL, a sister-in-law Lora Ryan of Ferndale, CA and his adored pugs Nomar and Fenway.

Family and friends are invited for a remembrance service to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 5-7 PM at The Beverly Depot, Danvers, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks individuals make a donation in Dr. Mellus’ honor to the Oral Surgery Residents Fund at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University, attention Leslie Caiola at the address below. If they wish to use a credit card, they can call Leslie directly at (617) 638-4891. Individuals may also make a gift online https://www.bu.edu/alumni-forms/forms/sdm/ by designating OMFS (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) in tribute to Dr. Davin Mellus.

New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with arrangements. Visit www.nefcc.net