AUBURN – Philip J. Melanson Jr., 83, a resident of 85 Caron Lane, died Thursday afternoon, March 17, at the Odd Fellows Home, following a long illness.

He was born in Westbrook, Nov. 19, 1921, the son of Philip J., and Edna (Libby) Melanson Sr.

He was a truck driver for R.I. Mitchell in Lewiston for many years and following retirement had worked for Shaw’s in Auburn.

Survivors include two sons, Theodore and Helen Melanson of New Gloucester, and Craig and Susan Melanson of Lewiston; nine daughters, Jennylee Sturtevant of Lewiston, Philene and Glen Kimball of Poland, Michele and Arthur Thurlow of Turner, Paulette and Marcel Belanger of Auburn, Merilee and Richard Therrien of Lewiston, Danielle and Roger Girardin of Poland, Jill and Lewis LeMay of Waterboro, Denise and Roger Fickett of Sabattus, and Terri-Jeanne and Roland Bussiere of New Gloucester; one brother, Walter Melanson of Falmouth; two sisters, Flora Koumilin of South Paris, and Evelyn Campbell of New Hampshire; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Beryl J. Melanson, on Dec. 26, 2001; and one son, Ransom, Oct. 28, 2002.

The Melanson family would like to extend their heart felt thanks to the entire staff of the Odd Fellows Home for the professional care given to their father, especially during his illness.

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