Gregory L. Melaik

Gregory Louis Melaik, 55, of Peoria formerly of passed unexpectedly away at 10:24pm Friday October 19, 2014 at his residence. He was born on March 4, 1959 in Chicago the son of Lawrence and Freda Sides Melaik. He is survived by his mother Freda Melaik, his father Dr. Lawrence (Patricia) Melaik and his brother Adam Melaik all of Peoria as well as many aunts and uncles. He was a 1977 graduate of Eureka High School and earned his Bachelors Degree in Biology from Murray State University in Murray, KY. He later earned a Masters Degree in Zoology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Greg enjoyed working as an educator with animals of all kinds. For a time, he worked at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago as an educator and the National Zoo in Washington, DC as a trainer of teachers and staff. Greg was last employed at Dominos Pizza in Sunnyland. Cremation rites have been accorded. A time to celebrate Greg's life will be Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 2pm until 4pm at Mason Funeral Home in Germantown Hills. In lieu of flowers memorials in his name may be made to an animal charity of their choice. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois is assisting with arrangements and notes of condolences may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com