Longtime credit union attorney and advocate Joseph Melchione, a senior partner of Styskal, Wiese & Melchione, passed away on April 17 from lung cancer.
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 serve more than 350 credit unions nationwide.
"We have lost a friend, a mentor and a great visionary," said Bruce Pearson, a partner at Styskal Wiese. "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."
Recommended For You
Melchione 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. 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," said James D. Likens, president/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."
"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 NCUA. "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."
Melchione is survived by his mother, June Ray, and siblings, Joni Alvarado, John Melchione, June Marie Melchione and Jill Spinelli, along with his nieces Sophia Alvarado and Jenna Spinelli. Funeral arrangements will be posted on www.law4cus.com.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
