Dr. Seymour Melnick

Dr. Seymour Melnick, age 91, passed away peacefully on August 7 2025 after a courageous battle with metastatic cancer. Born on June 5, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the youngest of five siblings and grew to become the heart and soul of a large and loving extended family.

Seymour is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Judy (Goldman) Melnick; his children Randi Pitruzzello and her sons Jonathan, his partner Cameris and Jordan, and great-grandson Theodore; Betsy Churchill and her sons Alexander and Devon; and Mark Melnick, his partner Roza Kogan, and his son Nathan.  Seymour was the proud patriarch of the extended Melnick family and the enduring source of its traditions, unity, and spirit.

Seymour graduated from Weaver High School and attended UConn before graduating from Temple Dental School in 1959. After Seymour’s service in the US Air Force (Captain), he completed graduate training in Endodontics at Boston University. In 1962, Seymour became Connecticut’s first trained Endodontist.

Seymour had a deep love and reverence for the Jewish faith, which shaped his life and values. He was the spiritual center of the family, leading legendary Passover Seders that brought generations together in joy and reflection. His second family was his beloved Emanuel Synagogue, where he was respected and greatly appreciated for the time, devotion and spirituality of his many contributions. He often led high holiday morning services, chanted Torah readings on short notice, and held numerous leadership positions, including Chairman of the Board of Education, Board of Trustees, and sat on the Ritual Committee for decades. He also held a position on the Board of Education at Beth Hillel Synagogue.

Fitness and discipline were cornerstones of Seymour’s life. Well into his 90s, he remained a determined gym-goer, inspiring fellow members across Greater Hartford. Even when limited by illness, he continued his workouts, lifted in and out of machines by others, modeling perseverance and strength to all who knew him.

Professionally, Dr. Melnick was a towering figure in dentistry and dental education. Over a 50-year teaching career, he mentored thousands of dental students and residents at both Boston University and the University of Connecticut. He was revered for teaching one of the most critical and influential courses in dental education: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. His knowledge, skills and pioneering spirit were continually called upon for conference presentations, radio and TV interviews and numerous publications. His legacy lives on through the generations of dentists whose careers he helped shape.

While Seymour’s CV is pages long, some of his proudest professional accomplishments include:

• Founder, Central Connecticut Endodontics (1968)
• Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
• Associate Clinical Professor and Professor Emeritus, Boston University
• Associate Clinical Professor and Professor Emeritus, UConn School of Dental Medicine
• Founder and 20-year President of DPAC Insurance Company
• Professional Associations(abbreviated):
  • Hartford Dental Society member, editor, treasurer, president
  • Connecticut State Dental Association member and house of delegates
  • Connecticut Endodontic Association member and president
  • American Association of Endodontics Member, spokesperson, board of directors
  • Pierre Fauchard Academy
• Honoree of numerous awards including:
• Hartford Dental Society Award of Merit
• Boston University Endo Alumni Special Recognition as a teacher and friend
• Dental IPA Service Award for service to the community and to dental education members of the dental community
• Naming of Levin/Melnick symposium in honor of 30 years of service to the University of Connecticut Endodontics Department
• Boston University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in honor of teaching 42 years of graduate students.
• American Association of Endodontists Part time Education Award

Dr. Seymour Melnick lived a life of wisdom, generosity, faith, and impact. His warmth, intellect, and devotion to family, students, and community will never be forgotten.

A private graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 10. Calling hours and Shiva will be held at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT Sunday 8/10, Monday 8/11 and Tuesday 8/12 from 6:00pm-8pm with Minyan service at 7:00pm. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 7th at 2:00pm in the main sanctuary at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, CT with a reception following. To RSVP for the Celebration of Life, please Click:http://Celebratingseymourmelnick.rsvpify.com

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Melnick Fund at Emanuel Synagogue, or a charity of your choice.