Dr. Ernest S. Melanson passed away at his summer home on August 13, 2009. He had just celebrated his 65th birthday on August 9. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Jankowski Melanson, two daughters and their husbands Danielle and David Watson, Heather and Thomas Miller; and two sons and their significant others, Jonathan Melanson and Heather Beth Whitley and Christopher Melanson and Nancy O’Brien. He had two sisters, Kathleen McGovern and Elizabeth Melfi. His family also included four loving grandchildren, Ani, Maisie, Caleb and Kinsley Watson as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Carol Melanson McGovern and his parents were the late Gertrude M. Scanlon and Ernest S. Melanson. His stepfather was the late James D. Scanlon.
Dr. Melanson was a native of Worcester, MA. He enjoyed spending his summers in Groton Long Point, Connecticut where he was an avid gardener. He spent many hours fishing for striped bass and tuna in the waters off of Long Island and sailing with his family. In the winter months, he could be found at Killington most weekends skiing with his wife and children. He also spent many years coaching youth soccer in Worcester. In addition to his many hobbies, he found time to be a mischievous, caring, and devoted husband, father and grandfather
He graduated from Assumption Prep in Worcester, MA. He then attended Boston College and received his DDS degree from the University of Michigan Dental School. After serving as a dentist in the US Air Force he returned to the University of Michigan where he received his Master of Science degree in orthodontics from the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. He practiced orthodontics for more than 35 years, with offices in Worcester and Webster, MA
The family will hold a scattering of ashes at sea on Saturday, August 22. Immediate family will meet on the main dock in Groton Long Point at 10 AM. Others are invited to follow in their own boats. A reception will follow at noon in the Dodd Room at the Groton Long Point Casino, 44 Beach Road, Groton Long Point, CT.
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