Long-time Credit Union Attorney & Advocate Joseph S. Melchione of Styskal, Wiese & Melchione LLP Dies at 64

SUNLAND, CA, April 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) A credit union industry icon known equally for his passion for the movement and his legendary wit, Mr. Melchione joined Styskal, Wiese & Melchione LLP in 1974 and was the driving force behind building it into the first law firm in the country to specialize in serving the needs of the credit union industry. From a handful of clients in its early years, the firm grew under his leadership to become the preeminent credit union law firm in the country serving more than 350 credit unions nationwide.

"We have lost a friend, a mentor and a great visionary," said Bruce Pearson, Partner, Styskal, Wiese & Melchione. "Joe's unfailing belief in the core values and principles of the cooperative model and its place as an essential consumer service has left a long legacy spanning hundreds of clients and helping shape the industry today. His unending drive and passion continue to motivate all those who knew or worked with him. He was brilliant and irreplaceable for his family, SW&M and the credit union movement, and will be greatly missed by all."

A passionate and vocal advocate for the philosophy, ideals and future of the credit union movement, Mr. Melchione spent more than 37 years working on behalf of the industry. Tirelessly committed to his clients and the fundamental credit union mission, he was instrumental in the development of wide-ranging credit union legislation and regulations for more than three decades and was one of the industry's most recognized and requested speakers. Committed to the future of the cooperative model and the next generation of credit union leaders, Mr. Melchione also served as a faculty member of Western CUNA Management School for over 25 years.

"As one of Western CUNA Management School's most popular faculty members for over two decades, Joe made a lasting impact on hundreds of credit union leaders," noted Dr. James D. Likens, president and CEO of Western CUNA Management School. "He brought not only his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to our program, but also a wonderful sense of fun - allowing students to auction his clothes or cut his trademark ponytail for our cause. A true original, trailblazer and great friend, Joe touched the lives and careers of countless of us working in the industry and beyond, making immeasurable contributions to the continued success of our movement."

"I had the great fortune to know Joe for more than 30 years as a friend and colleague," said Robert Fenner, retired general counsel of the National Credit Union Administration. "Beyond having an extraordinary legal mind and unequalled commitment to his clients, it was his dedication and enduring belief in the importance and future of credit unions large and small that made him such a vibrant part of our community. While the credit union movement has lost one of its most vocal and committed champions, his passion will continue to inspire us all."

While Mr. Melchione had shifted his focus over the past few years to spend the majority of his time on his personal passions of photography, surfing, art and ocean preservation, he remained a champion of the rights and well-being of all credit unions and their members. He was an award-winning photographer ranging from photojournalism to landscapes, and his Year of Rebellion, The 1970 Isla Vista Riots series capturing Vietnam-era riots in Santa Barbara was published and showcased as a Brooks Institute Cota Street Gallery exhibit. A life-long Southern California resident and competitive surfer, Joe became a part of the Dewey Weber Competition Team in his 60s and sailed, dived, and surfed around the world. He was a crusader for his coast, and his passion for the waters of Malibu and the Santa Monica Bay was demonstrated through his ongoing involvement in Heal the Bay and his role as Chair of the Malibu Surfing Association Environmental Committee and a Director of Santa Monica Baykeeper.

Mr. Melchione received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with High Honors, and received his J.D. from the University of California at Davis School of Law.

Mr. Melchione is survived by his mother, June Ray, siblings Joni Alvarado, John Melchione, June Marie Melchione and Jill Spinelli, along with his nieces Sophia Alvarado and Jenna Spinelli. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, and will be posted on http://www.law4cus.com as service details are completed.

About Styskal, Wiese & Melchione LLP
As the largest and most respected full-service law firm in the country representing credit unions, Styskal, Wiese & Melchione offers clients unsurpassed expertise, incomparable service, and exceptional counsel on the broad range of issues affecting credit unions. The firm offers 100+ years of combined attorney experience and counsel to more than 350 credit unions nationwide. Its practice areas encompass a full range of legal representation, including issues related to chartering and field of membership, CUSO formation, corporate governance, intellectual property, member accounts, ecommerce, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, real estate, regulatory compliance, tax, bond/insurance defense, and crisis management. For more information, visit law4cus.com