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Former Sheriff Andy Meloni Has Died

Former Monroe County Sheriff Andy Meloni
monroecountysoar.com
Former Monroe County Sheriff Andy Meloni

The Monroe County Sheriff's Department confirms that former longtime Sheriff Andy Meloni has died.

He passed away early this morning after a battle with cancer at the age of 84.  Meloni spent 45 years in the Sheriff's Department, eventually running for the top job in 1979. Meloni retired in 2001.

He oversaw a number of major cases during his tenure, including the 1994 disappearance of four year old Kali Ann Poulton, which Meloni said had a big emotional impact on him.

Another major event in his law enforcement career was the violence at Attica State Prison.  In 1971, Meloni and about 50 Monroe County deputies were the first to enter the prison yard after the violent retaking of that prison.

Meloni was elected a total of 6 times.

Meloni's successor as Sheriff, Patrick O'Flynn, was among the many people who have visited Meloni in recent days while he has been in hospice.

On Friday morning, O'Flynn issued this statement:

"Our community lost a truly kind, caring, and compassionate leader with the death of Sheriff Andrew P. Meloni. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the early morning hours of May 1st at Rochester General Hospital, however his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the members of the Sheriff’s Office serving this community on a daily basis.  His motto, which he drummed into our team was: “We Care About People”.  You see and experience that credo in every encounter with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Meloni was not just my mentor and confidant; he was my friend.  People will remember him for his incredible sense of humor and memorialized by his many accomplishments as Sheriff.  

To the Rochester community, he will be remembered as a great friend.  To his family, he will be remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather.

He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Meloni family."

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks issued this statement:

“Our community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of Monroe County’s most beloved and compassionate public servants -Sheriff Andrew Meloni. We will always remember Sheriff Meloni for his kind-hearted sense of humor and for the leadership, honor, and integrity he bestowed upon the Office of the Sheriff. Sheriff Meloni’s passing leaves sadness in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him, but may we find solace in knowing that his memory and legacy will live on in our community for years to come. I offer my deepest condolences to the Meloni family and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and ask that our entire community keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has ordered the flags at all County facilities to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Sheriff Meloni’s dedicated service.

Calling hours for Andy Meloni will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Perinton. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the Student Life Center at St. John Fisher College.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.