Hundreds remember Mel Haber

Hundreds gathered to celebrate a Palm Springs legend Thursday morning at the memorial service for Mel Haber. He was the owner of the Ingleside Inn and Melvyn’s restaurant and worked with a number of valley charities.

Haber, who had lung cancer, died last Tuesday, just one day after his 80th birthday. The prominent restaurant owner, remembered as Mr. Palm Springs, was loved by many.

“It’s called mononymous, known by a single first name. That was Mel,” said Larry Delrose.

His close friends and family sharing stories about Mel, many lightening the mood by sharing jokes. Just as Mel used to do.

“Mel once said the only difference between us was that a Jew was nothing more than a successful Italian,” said Frank Furino.

All agreeing Palm Springs will never be as fun without him.

“I know my father is looking down today with a happy heart and a big smile on his face. So I thank all of you for being here,” said Autumn Haber.

While some knew him personally, others knew him through his restaurant.

“Mel will always be in our memories. I don’t think any of us when we go there, no matter what happens to the restaurant, we’ll think of Mel and really miss him walking up and shaking hands and that big smile and the corny jokes,” said Mayor Robert Moon.

But Mel wasn’t just a businessman, he was a dedicated philanthropist.

“It was his philanthropic side. I mean to care as much for Angel View for something like 35 years is extraordinary,” said Mitch Blumberg, the Senior Vice President of Desert Arc.

Mel’s close friend and Melvyn’s Maitre D’ Brian Ellis thanked everyone for coming.

“It’s amazing because we wouldn’t have what we have without them. We wouldn’t have the legacy that we talk about,” Ellis said.

That legacy living on in his restaurant and the impact he’s had on our community and the people who live here.