Melvin P. Bickel

Melvin P Bickel (Red) of Mt. Lebanon passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2025, with his wife of 72 years, Maxine, and his daughter Amy at his side.  A lifelong Pittsburgher he was born on the Southside and moved with his family to Mt. Lebanon as a teen. He was a 1946 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, joining the Army immediately after graduation, and deployed with the 11th Airborne division to Japan.  After returning he attended college, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon).

Mel followed his father’s footsteps and went to work at J&L Steel.  After leaving J&L in the mid 1980’s he worked for the Allegheny County Department of Aging before retiring.  He volunteered in many capacities, including with the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society.  A devout man, he was an active member of Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years, serving as a Deacon, member of Session, usher, and greeter.  Mel was also an ardent bowler, and as a member of the Beverly Heights Men’s league rolled a perfect 300 game.

He is survived by his wife Maxine Bickel, daughters Loretta (Rusty) McDonald (Dave), & Amy Peeler, son Jeff Bickel (Kristen), granddaughters Alyssa McDonald, Rachel Birge (Davin) & Maren Bickel, grandsons Clayton Bickel, David & Michael Peeler and five great grandchildren: Roman, Breckin, Lennon, Blake and Quinn.

Friends will be received at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes 222 Washington Rd. Mt. Lebanon on Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 PM. Service in the funeral home chapel on Thursday at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project 875 Greentree Rd. Building 7 Suite 700 Pittsburgh, PA 15220. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

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