GLOUCESTER: Eleanor E. (Mattaliano) Melanson, 82, died unexpectedly in her home on Saturday, July 2, 2011. She was the wife of the late Gordon “Sonny” Melanson.
Born in Mattapan on October 1, 1928 to the late Joseph and Angela (Leone) Mattaliano, she was a graduate of Mattapan High School.
A Gloucester resident for over 60 years, Eleanor was employed as a baker for the Gloucester public school system for over thirty years, where she was known for her legendary hermit bars. She had also worked in the nursery at the Manchester Athletic Club for twenty years.
An avid collector, she loved to frequent yard sales, where she always looked for a bargain. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting many ports of call throughout the Caribbean and South America. Together, they enjoyed playing tennis and ballroom dancing. She took great joy in the accomplishments of her grandchildren. She never missed one of her grandson’s baseball or football games (unless she couldn’t find the field). She loved the crooners of the 40’s and 50’s, and spent many happy hours listening to Nancy Hildegard. She was also a member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen J. and Juanita Melanson of Gloucester; her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie J. and Stephen A. Alagero of Reading; three grandchildren, Lucas Melanson of Gloucester, Kevin Alagero of Reading and Nicole Alagero of Washington, D.C.; five sisters, Marie Maringhi of Milton, Barbara Arcuni of Triangle, VA, Edith Burdett of Holbrook, Anna Moore of Rockland and Rita and her husband, George Aloupos of Stoughton; a brother, Joseph and his wife, Candace Mattaliano of Canton and several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 3 – 6 p.m. to be immediately followed by a celebration of her life at the Gloucester Lodge of Elks, 101 Atlantic Rd., Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 260 Main St., Gloucester, MA 01930.