Melvin Driban

Melvin Driban passed away peacefully at home on October 3, 2026, surrounded by family.

Beloved husband and partner of Julia (nee Sanabria), his wife and rock. Loving father of Lynn Tibbits (Paul), Glenn Driban, John Driban (Beatrice Dufort), Jerry Driban (Gail), Nicholas Driban (Jennifer), Clarissa Driban (Richard Minkoff), and Julie Driban (Brandon Sawyer); proud grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of 13.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Claire Ostrow and Joseph Driban; his six siblings, Rita Laskey, May “Terry” Sklar, Bernice “Bunny” Salsburg, Stanley Driban, Jerry Driban, and Suzette Driban; and his son, Bradley, whom he lost at birth.

Mel was driven by a sharp mind, strong convictions, and deep loyalty to the people and causes he cared about. A graduate of Central High School, Class 206, and Temple University, he devoted his career to education and organized labor, ultimately serving as a National Representative for the American Federation of Teachers and spending decades advocating for teachers and unions across the country.

Mel was curious, competitive, opinionated, funny, and always ready for a good debate. He loved karate, Philadelphia sports, puzzles, music, traveling, cooking, and bringing people together. His favorite party tricks included breaking cement bricks with his head and karate-chopping wood with his hand - something he continued doing until the age of 85.

For decades, he and Julia hosted the Driban Family Barbecue, which grew into a gathering of more than 150 relatives and friends. Thanksgiving was another cherished tradition. Mel took great pride in creating the kinds of family gatherings he had valued so deeply, and his family will carry those traditions forward in the years to come.

Above all, Mel was the patriarch and glue that held his family together. As he liked to joke, “none of us would be here if it weren’t for him.” For all of his interests and accomplishments, Mel considered his family his greatest achievement. He instilled in them the importance of closeness, unity, and carrying on traditions, and took tremendous pride in the bonds they shared. To Mel, that was success.

Relatives and friends are invited to chapel services Wednesday October 7, 2026, 12:30 PM at Joseph Levine & Sons, 1002 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA. The family will begin receiving at 11:30 AM. Those unable to join in person may livestream services at www.levinefuneral.com/blue-bell-webcam1.html. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in support of the arts through the Philadelphia Orchestra (philorch.org) or to the Democratic Party.

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - Blue Bell, PA