MEXICO – George J. Melanson, 82, of Mexico, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Rumford, on April 14, 1923, a son of Albert and Denise (Richard) Melanson. He was married in Rumford, June 19, 1948, to the former Beverly Robertson of Mexico. He was a communicant of St. John’s Church and, in later years, St. Theresa’s Parish.

He attended Stephens High School where he was very active in sports, playing football, baseball and basketball. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Oakdale Country Club for many years. Throughout his life he was a devoted sports enthusiast, both as a spectator and participant.

He played both semi-pro football and baseball. He took great pleasure in maintaining a picture-perfect lawn and home. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, enjoying many traditional gatherings at the family’s camp at Roxbury Pond. He also enjoyed playing pool and cards with his brothers and sister.

Mr. Melanson was a veteran of World War II serving his country in the USN 89th C.B. from 1943 to 1946, when he returned to Rumford where he worked at Oxford Paper Co., Ethyl Corp., and Boise Cascade until his retirement in May, 1985.

He was a member of Boise’s 40-Year Club, Robert Shand Post 1641, VFW, and the Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years; his son, Jay Melanson and wife, Dorothy, of Falmouth; his daughter, Lynne Marshall and husband, Lee, of Fairfield; four brothers, Alcide Melanson and wife, Jacqueline, of Mexico, Leo Melanson, of Rumford, Albert “Chinkie” Melanson and wife, Elisabeth, of Kreuzaecker, Germany, and Richard Melanson and wife, Julie of Dixfield; four sisters, Bella Stone and Viola Arsenault, of Rumford, Ida Lyon, of Scarborough, and Mariette Patrick, of Fayetteville, N.Y.; his beloved granddaughters, Nora, Mary, and Erin Melanson, Lauren and Allie Marshall; and several devoted nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Omer.

The family wishes to thank Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, and especially Marie Hupper, R.N., and Tammy Bean, R.N., for all of their special care.

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