R. Melvin Goetze, Jr.

Class of 1984

Randle Melvin Goetze, Jr., who went by Melvin, was born in Baltimore, in 1917. After graduating City College in 1935 he worked at his family’s confectionery company, then known as the Baltimore Chewing Gum Co., repairing machines while studying law at night at the University of Baltimore. Melvin’s career at the company was interrupted when he served in World War II as a Merchant Marine.

In 1945 he rejoined his father, R. Melvin Goetze, Sr., at the company, which was renamed the Goetze’s Candy Co., in 1951 and incorporated in 1958.

As president of Goetze’s Candy Co., Inc., Melvin was instrumental in building Caramel Creams into a national brand. His accolades in the industry include being honored as a Dean of the Confection Manufacturing Industry by the National Candy Wholesalers Association in 1970.

Melvin retired in 1996, but remained an active voice to his sons and grandsons who followed in the leadership roles after him. He passed on May 17, 2011, at the age of 94.