John Joseph Mellon

John J. Mellon (Jack) of Norwood, MA and Waterville Valley, NH passed away on December 16, 2021 surrounded by his family. He had recently celebrated his 101st birthday. Jack was born in Boston December 10, 1920 to John and Rose (Graham) Mellon and grew up in Dorchester, MA.

At the age of 17, he earned his pilot’s license at the old Dennison Airport in Squantum. From that age to age 80, it was hard to keep Jack’s feet on the ground. He joined the Navy where he earned the rank of Lt. Commander, flying transport and reconnaissance flights in the South Pacific during WWII and piloting blimps along the east coast of the US searching for enemy subs. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1980.

Following WWII, he married and moved to Norwood, MA where he had resided for over 66 years with his wife, Mary. After retiring from an Engineering career with New England Telephone Company, he began a new career with Wiggins Airways in Norwood as the Chief Instructor Pilot where he shared his passion for flying with many young pilots. In addition, he served as the Major Civil Air Patrol Commander of the Minuteman Composite Squadron from 1980-1984.

Jack leaves his wife Mary (McLaughlin) and his four daughters: Mary Johnson and her husband Leon of West Chester, PA; Nancy Plante and her husband Arthur of Cumberland, RI; Donna Caron and her husband Paul of Norfolk, MA and Janet Mellon of Norwood, MA.

In addition, Jack will be greatly missed by his eight grandchildren: Laura Rowe, Mark Johnson, Jennifer Castro, Gregory Caron, David Plante, Brenda McDonough, Cheryl Condran, and Andrea Nouss, along with his 20 great grandchildren. Jack is predeceased by his two sisters, Marjorie Vogel and Sr. Regis of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Viewing services at the Funeral Home will be private. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood to celebrate Jack’s life on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 11:00 am. Burial services will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton, MA.