Joseph Mark Melanson, 85, of Franklin, died, Thursday, May 1, 2014 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Stoddard) Melanson for 63 years.
Born in Boston on October 4, 1928, he was the son of the late Harry and Salanair (Bourque) Melanson.
Mr. Melanson was a resident of Franklin for over 50 years. He was a graduate Brighton Memorial High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea during WWII.
Retiring at the age of 55, Mr. Melanson was a truck driver for Wonder Bread for 30 years.
Mr. Melanson was a member of the Medway VFW Post #1526. He was an avid reader and Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed antiques. He loved spending time on the beach with his grandchildren in Newport, RI where he owned a second home for several years.
Besides his wife Patricia, he is survived by his son, Mark Melanson and his wife Rita of Germany, two daughters, Patricia Small and her husband Mark of Douglas and Pamela Cain of Gardner, fourteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by two sisters, Rita Sparks and husband Harold from Falmouth, Theresa Cavicchi and partner Ernie from Walpole, nephew Thomas Melanson and wife Ginny, niece Diane McApline and husband Francis (Mack) who was his best friend and many other nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend graveside services at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Friday, May 9 at 1:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757.