Frank Melanson, 91, of Sandown, NH and formerly of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 31, 2008 at his home following a lengthy illness. Mr. Melanson was born on November 17, 1916 in North Reading, MA, the son of the late Wallace and Fannie (Doucette) Melanson. He was the beloved husband of the late Flora M. (Cormier) Melanson. As a young boy Frank attended East Boston schools until he was old enough to go to work. He worked odd jobs fishing and farming until he joined the US Army in November 1940. Frank served in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea in World War II, fighting the Japanese at Bismark and Archipelago from December 1941 to October 1944 where he was awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against the enemy. He also served in Panama, Japan, Africa, Newfoundland and Greenland. After the end of the war and his retirement from the Army, Frank re-enlisted in the US Air Force until he retired from military service in 1964. After a total of 21 years of service, he had attained the rank of Tech Sergeant. Frank also worked for the US Postal service in Boston for ten years until his final retirement in 1974. He loved to oil paint landscapes and seascapes, Frank’s masterpieces were known by “Paintings by SARGE”. In his spare time he was an avid sports fan. Oh how he loved his family and his dogs.
He is survived by two sons, Kenneth R. Melanson Sr. and his wife Shirley of Sandown, NH, William W. Melanson and his wife Carolyn of Wichita, KS, several grandchildren, Kenneth R. Melanson Jr., Craig P. Melanson and his wife Leonie, Ryan M. Melanson, Karisa C. Melanson all of Saugus, MA, Cheyenne K. Melanson of Sandown, Sharon Lopez and her husband Art of CA, Brenda Melanson of Wichita, KS. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren Kayla, Arianna and Kenneth R. Melanson III of Saugus, MA as well as several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours were held on Wednesday August 6th from 5 to 8pm at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday at 10:30am at St. Anne’s Church, Emerson Ave., Hampstead, NH. Burial followed in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, MA.