Judge L. Scott Melville was a distinguished legal figure, an incredible father, and an aviator both in the cockpit and through his love of building and flying radio-controlled aircraft.

Born at New York City's Presbyterian Medical Center, he had an illustrious legal career spanning several decades.

Melville spent his early childhood growing up in New Haven, Connecticut. He was raised by his parents, Lawrence and Vivienne Melville, and his uncle and aunt, General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commander of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, and his wife, Agatha Scott, as he traveled throughout the US.

After graduating from New York University, Judge Melville began his legal journey at Howard University Law School, where he developed a passion for law. After completing his secondary education, Judge Melville relocated to Connecticut, where in 1962 he began his own law practice, Merchant, Melville & Spear, alongside lawyer and civil rights activist John Merchant and future Superior Court Judge E. Eugene Spear. Melville was the public defender in one of New Haven’s most visible cases at the time - that of the Black Panthers on the Yale New Haven campus. A journey well documented in the book Murder the Model City.

His performance and dedication to the field led to his appointment as a common pleas court judge in 1977. Soon after, his exceptional abilities and commitment to justice earned him the esteemed position of a Connecticut Superior Court judge. Throughout his career, Judge Melville split his time between Bridgeport and Hartford, CT. Known for his quiet demeanor and serious approach, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike.

Aside from his professional achievements, Judge Melville's personal life is equally remarkable. He has been happily married to his beloved wife, Sonja Douglas Melville, for over 50 years. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Sonja-Lisa Melville, residing in Santa Monica, CA, Scott D. Melville, residing in Bridgeport, CT, and Doug Melville, who resides globally.

Judge Melville is not only a prominent figure in the legal arena but also an active member of various hobby clubs. He has been a member of the Connecticut Guardsman Club for over 50 years and is passionate about radio-controlled airplanes and model airplane associations. Melville was also a U.S. Army Veteran. In his leisure time, he always wanted to beat Pac-Man, a task he never accomplished.

Judge L. Scott Melville hung up his robe in 2013 after 35 years on the bench as not only a man of integrity and honesty but also an incredible friend, father, and person. His unwavering commitment to justice, combined with his warm and friendly nature, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, as we celebrate him getting his wings to his next chapter we want to honor his remarkable career, family, and continued happiness into eternity.

The family would like to acknowledge the many special people in his life including his close friends, co-workers and neighbors who loved him and shared their friendship with them over the years. In line with Judge Melville’s wishes, there will be no ceremony at this time. The family will hold a celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make a donation on his behalf to a charity of one's choice or we ask that you order a copy of Invisible Senators, an upcoming book that features his story.

To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com and or email the family at Dougiemelville@gmail.com.