Mel Goldstein


Melvin G. Goldstein, known on air as Dr. Mel, was an on-air television meteorologist and the chief meteorologist for WTNH in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1986 to 2011.

Early life and education

Goldstein was born in Swampscott, Massachusetts, in 1945, where, as Goldstein himself put it, "the conversation was always about the weather." He earned a degree in meteorology from Penn State in 1967, followed by a doctorate from New York University.

Career

In 1972, Goldstein took up a teaching job at Western Connecticut State University. He established Connecticut's only meteorology bachelor's degree, and began to run WestConn's weather center, which supplied forecasting information to 20 local radio and television stations. Goldstein joined WTNH as a meteorologist in 1986, becoming a local celebrity and eventually 's chief meteorologist. In 1999, he authored the Complete Idiot's Guide to Weather. He held the honorary title of Director Emeritus at WestConn's Weather Center.

Personal life

In 1996 Goldstein was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which his doctors predicted would claim his life within three years. Hoping to beat the diagnosis, Goldstein underwent treatment at Yale-New Haven Hospital, far outliving his initial prognosis. He returned to work at WTNH, though on a limited air schedule.

Retirement

On August 23, 2011, WTNH announced Goldstein's retirement after 25 years of service. In celebration of his service, the station produced a prime-time tribute to Goldstein.

Death

On January 18, 2012, Mel Goldstein died from multiple myeloma, aged 66. He is survived by his wife Arlene and his daughters Laura and Melodie.