Melvin E. Dyer

Of Marshfield, Massachusetts, 67, a Duxbury Police Officer, died August 25, 2008 of injuries sustained in a tragic accident on August 16, 2008. Mel's life was cut short in the line of duty while he was protecting the safety of the public at the Marshfield Fair. Survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie (Wheeler) Dyer, daughter, Melissa Elliott and husband Todd of Plymouth, son, Michael Dyer and wife Anne of Marshfield. Grandaughters, Samantha and Ashlye Elliott of Plymouth. Children from a previous marriage, Betsy Rabon, Jane Myer, and Bob Dyer. Sisters, Marlene Lewis of Nevada and Vicky Abramson of Minnesota, brothers, Frank Dyer of California and Kurt Dyer of Iowa. Son of the late Eugene Dyer, the late Frances (Cortez) Giordano. Grandson of the late Frances Cortez. Mel lived his life with pride and integrity, beginning with his 20+ years with the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of MSGT (E-8). While in the military, Mel served as a Drill Instructor - MCRD in San Diego, CA, Instructor at DI School, Instructor at Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA, Embassy Duty, Madagascar. Retired from the Marine Corps as a highly decorated veteran, serving several tours of duty in Vietnam and receiving numerous ribbons and medals of honor including the Purple Heart. His career in law enforcement began with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Sheriff and with the Duxbury Police Department as a Special Officer. Mel was a Firearms Instructor for Citizen's Police Academies throughout the South Shore and a Safety Instructor at the Marshfield Rod and Gun Club, where he also served as President. For 20 years Mel also worked as a Regional Loss Prevention Manager for LUA. Mel was well liked and respected by all who knew him - a strong and caring man who will be sorely missed. Visiting hours Monday, September 1, 2008 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street, (Rte. 139) MARSHFIELD. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Saint Christine's Church, Rte 3A, Marshfield. Burial will be at a later date at the National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mel's memory can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject. org/donate, or Mass Concerns of Police Survivors Kids, c/o Sue Fitzsimmons, 14 Upwey Rd., Wellesley, MA 02481. For online guestbook and directions, visit: macdonaldfuneralhome.com