McGONNIGLE, Melvin J. (Mel) Passed away peacefully on April 11, 2018 at home with his wife Mary of 52 years (the love of his life) at his bedside in Naples, Florida. Son of the late Melvin and Rita (Kannaly) McGonnigle. Brother of Mary Hehir and her husband Joseph, Kate McMenimon and her recently deceased husband Bob, and the late Patrick McGonnigle. Brother-in-law of Carol Robinson and her husband Roy, and the late Bob Hannam. Also survived by several nieces and nephews especially Michele Robinson and Yvonne Cunio.
Mel was a 44 year resident of Dedham, MA and a 30 year property owner in Naples, FL. He graduated from Watertown High School and Grahm Junior College, Boston.
Mel loved and enjoyed music; as a teenager he professionally recorded a rock n’ roll hit song and appeared in the Boston Garden Rock & Roll show as well as the MA Armory. Throughout the 70’s he had a Saturday evening nostalgia radio program in Boston on Radio Station WROL, “The Ben Scott Show” between 5-6 p.m. where he played listener requested songs of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s
Mel enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1958 and served honorably for four years until 1962.
He was an avid basketball player all his life; in high school, Marine Corps, Grahm JG, Dedham Men’s League and continued playing throughout his retirement at the gym. Mel and Mary both were sports enthusiasts and enjoyed watching all sporting events together.
Mel began his professional business career in finance and was the President of Globe Financial Services, Bank Vice President for consumer lending in Boston while also serving as a Director of a Bank Holding Company. After leaving banking and finance he opened Best Value Real Estate in Dedham and served as President for 19 years. He ran the most successful United Way Campaign for the town of Dedham and was a member and director of the Dedham Jaycees
He and his wife Mary loved to travel prior to retiring in Naples where they were most content to enjoy their little piece of paradise. He was a past—president of his condo association, The Ambassador Club.
Mel put forth a courageous 4 year battle with Colon Cancer and much appreciation to Dr. Andrew Lipman and all the outstanding staff and nurses at the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Naples.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., DEDHAM, on Saturday, April 21 at 12:30pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours omitted. Private interment. A reception will beheld immediately following the Mass at the Dedham Hilton, 25 Allied Dr., Dedham.
At the family’s request, please no flowers, donations may be made in Mel’s memory to: Guadalupe Social Services, 211 South 9th St., Immokalee, FL 34142 or Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, 681 4th Ave., N, Naples, FL 34102.