Founder of Town Fair Tire

Neil Mellen (1934-2024) Founder of Town Fair Tire was born November 13, 1934 to Etta and Mack Mellen in the Bronx, New York. Neil attended NYU, where he excelled, honing his business acumen, which began in high school working at his father’s auto parts store. He was later mentored by Sidney Milwe, who saw his potential and helped him achieve his unique vision. With hard work, focus and sheer joy for what he did, Neil opened the first Town Fair Tire in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1967. With unbridled drive, the company grew exponentially to 115 stores across New England.

The success of the company was Neil and his management team. Neil was a visionary with keen intellect, a man of uncommon compassion and integrity. He was one of the unusual businessmen who wedded success with philanthropy.

Neil had a passion for helping underprivileged individuals, families and students desiring education, people in need of medical care and wrongfully convicted individuals.

Neil was responsible for numerous scholarships, anonymous gifts, he was an ardent supporter of The Innocence Project and served on the Board of the University of Bridgeport. Countless educational institutions, medical centers, charities and individuals have been touched by his generosity. Neil loved his employees and he made every effort to help them learn and thrive in business and life.

Neil was an avid hiker, runner, cyclist and cross-country skier who appreciated the beauty of nature and quietude of peaceful surroundings. An unassuming, private, serenely beautiful human being, Neil touched the lives of many people, leaving his legacy for future generations.

Neil Mellen passed on January 5, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Diane Mellen; his daughter, Debbie Mellen Wegeleben and husband, Scott; his brother, Michael Mellen. He was preceded in death by daughter, Nancy Mellen.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be sent to Covenant House, nonproft for youth experiencing homelessness, 460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036, Carpinteria Arts Center, nonprofit helping a diverse population from youth to seniors through the arts and education, 865 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, CA 93013 or St. Martin de Porres Academy, a middle school academy for underprivileged young people in the New Haven area, 208 Columbus Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519. www.saintmartinacademy.org