Today is the one year anniversary of when we lost a Connecticut weather legend.  Dr. Mel Goldstein was born in nearby Massachusetts and worked as an on air Meteorologist for WTNH (in New Haven,CT) from 1986 – 2011.  In 1996, after being diagnosed with multiple Myeloma, he was given only a few years to live.  He received treatments at Yale New Haven Hospital and lived well beyond his prognosis.  He never gave up and never lost his passion for the weather and the people of Connecticut. 

He authored a book titled “The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Weather” and while teaching at Western Connecticut State University, he created the only bachelors degree program in Meteorology that Connecticut has to offer.  He also wrote “ Dr. Mels Connecticut Climate Book” which is a great resource for studying the history of Connecticut’s climate.

Dr. Mel is missed by many in Connecticut and especially by those who had the privilege to work with him.  "He had a smile every day, no matter what kind of pain he was in," said WTNH anchor Keith Kountz, who worked with Goldstein at the station for more than 20 years. "That was the kind of guy he was. Always in the happy place. He didn't let the cancer stop him." 

In August of 2011 when he retired he said “I mainly want to be remembered as I am — honest, helpful to others, always around when needed. I can't think of a better tribute than that, and it is something for which I will always be grateful. I have worked hard in an area that I truly love, and I will likely continue in some weather venue until I no longer have the energy to do so.''

He would be very happy to know that this is exactly how he is being remembered. I miss him just as much as I did a year ago and I can only imagine the excellent coverage he would have given us during Hurricane Sandy.  God Bless and RIP my friend.