Obituary of Richard J. Melanson

Richard J. Melanson, 87, of Peabody, loving husband of the late Barbara (LaFay) Perrone-Melanson, died at Beverly Hospital after a brief illness on Monday, April 14, 2014. Richard was born in Wakefield, on April 30, 1926, son of Joseph and Grace (Muise) Melanson. He was raised and educated in Wakefield and in 1943, he enlisted into the U. S. Navy and served as a Boatswain Mate Second Class, saw battle at the invasion of Normandy, and was honorably discharged on February 18, 1946. Richard began his working career as tile setter and was later employed for many years as a senior civil engineer for the State of Massachusetts until his retirement in 1978. He was a longstanding member of the VFW Fidelity Post 1011 in Peabody and served with their Honor Guard for 32 years, and a member of the Italian American Citizens Club in Peabody. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his Lempster NH camp, fishing, hunting, cooking and playing cards. He is survived by 2 daughters and their husbands, Carol and Joseph Egan of NH, Nancy and Darren Gerry of Wakefield; 5 step children and their spouses, Christine Wilson of Saugus, Barbarajean and Donald Burrill of Petersham, Denise and Joseph Comparato, Marla and Joseph Perrone all of FL, and Stephen Perrone of CA; 7 grandchildren, Christopher, Corey, Timothy, Rachel, Daniel, Christopher and Jenna; 4 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Brennan, Parker and Kayley, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 9 brothers and sisters. His family will receive family and friends on Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. following the visitation hours. The family requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org A committal of ashes will be held at a later time. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.