Leo Joseph Melanson

A graduate of Stephen’s High School, Rumford in 1943. He played several sports in high school; basketball, baseball and football.

Leo was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WW II where he enlisted at 17 and served as a coxswain. He participated in many battles in the Pacific between 1944 and 1946.

Leo worked for the Oxford Paper Mill/Boise Cascade as an electrician for 40+ years. He was a faithful member of St. Athanasius & St John’s Church throughout his life. For many years golf was his passion. He played golf with his brothers and friends most days after work and on weekends. His motto was “I played eight days a week!”. His light hearted humor was known to all. He also enjoyed bowling, cards, country music and playing competitive pool with his brothers. Leo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and loved visits from his family and friends. He loved taking trips to Old Orchard Beach, Worthley and Roxbury Ponds and adventure rides. He was an early morning walker through rain, snow or shine. On his many meditative walks, he would collect lost coins.

He was a fan of the New England Patriots and the Red Sox. In the summer, he often sat on his porch listening to the Red Sox games on the radio, enjoying his port wine, while viewing the beautiful mountains of Mexico.

Leo married Elizabeth Melanson (Buccina) in Rumford, October 3, 1949. They were married for 48 years. They loved trips to the coast and weekends at Worthley Pond. He loved her cooking…especially her pies and homemade Italians meals. She passed away in 1997. Then, for nearly 17 years he and his new companion Rachel Lovejoy, kept each other young at heart with adventures throughout Maine. They also took a lifelong trip to Germany to visit his brother Albert “Chinkie” and family.

Leo is survived by his children: a son, Jeffrey Melanson and wife, Suzanne, of Winslow, two daughters, Pamela Dodd of Portland; Donna Kelly and husband Michael of Wyomissing PA; one brother, Richard Melanson and wife, Julie of Rumford; his beloved grandchildren; Allison Napolitano, Patrick Kelly, Parker Dodd, Brianna Neely and TJ Kelly; beloved great-grandchildren; Bobby and Frankie Napolitano, Jayce Kelly and Brooks Neely.

He was predeceased by his parents and siblings; Omer, Alcide, George, Albert, Bella, Viola, Ida, Marietta.

The family would like to thank Rebecca and Theresa of Andwell Hospice Home Care, Dr Deluca of Elsemore Dixfield Family Medicine, Julie & Dan Kiley and especially Sandy Campbell for the special care she gave him which allowed him to live out his days in his house.

There will be no services. A private burial will be planned in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leo's memory to Andwell Health Partners 15 Strawberry Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240 or to Hope Association 85 Lincoln Avenue, Rumford, Maine 04276.

Arrangements by Thibault Remembrance Center 250 Penobscot Street, Rumford, Maine 364-4366. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com .