Photo courtesy of McNally & Watson Funeral & Cremation Service - Clinton
Dec 19, 1931 - Aug 20, 2025
Gary and Helen, so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences.
Cecil and Denise Kervin
August 25, 2025 | Moncton, NB
Peaceful Reflections
Reginald LeBlanc and Family
August 25, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of Clarence, deepest sympathy to the extended Melanson Family during this very difficult time,
Ron Knoll
August 24, 2025 | Fitchburg, MA | Acquaintance
Clarence's infectious laugh and his sense of humor brought joy to all. He was a great man with many dimensions. Our sympathies to the family.
Ann and George (Melanson) Mastin
August 24, 2025 | East Dennis, MA
Just a great guy with a good sense of humor! Very hard woker,and a good father! Sorry for your loss.
Richard Edwardsen
August 23, 2025 | Kingston, NH | Friend
Our sympathies to the family
Guy et Simonne Girouard
August 23, 2025 | Burlington, MA
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. We remember most his smile and always making us laugh. Keep him alive with your memories. Love Leo&Kim
Leo and Kim Melanson
August 22, 2025 | Moncton, NB | Family
I met him, know his daughter, Diane well, and also met his lovely wife. I also know his sons from years gone by. He has made a great lasting impact on everyone and will be very much missed on earth... but thank God for Heaven!!! As Buzz Light Year would say, "To infinity and beyond!" There will be a lot of catching up to do then... thank God for eternity!!! While here on earth, may the comfort of the Lord be enough for everyone. Very sad for your loss, yet grateful for the promise we...
Wendy Talbot
August 22, 2025 | Epping, NH | Friend
Our Friday morning smiles and waves will be greatly missed by our Friday family ! With thoughts and prayers the love of the Sheeke salon .
Christine Paradis
August 22, 2025 | Leominster, MA | Friend
Lancaster, MA
J. Clarence Melanson, 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Known as Joe, Clarence, Clad, and most fondly, Dad. He was born in St. Antoine, New Brunswick, Canada. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Simone (LeBlanc), son Ronald (Donna) Melanson of Bolton, MA, son Steven (Pamela) Melanson of Stow, MA, daughter Diane Melanson of Clinton, MA, son Gary (Helen) Melanson of Lancaster, MA and daughter Denise (Daniel) Cormier of Maynard, MA; grandchildren: Nicole, Brian, Christie, Stevie, Joey, Kevin, Vicki, Amanda, Deric, Collin and Melanie; great-grandchildren: Brynn, Reagan, Blake, Parker, Brady, Cammy and Oliver; as well as countless extended family members and friends in both Canada and the United States. Clarence was pre-deceased by his parents Zita and Francis Melanson, nine siblings: Azelie, Antoine, John, Leda, Ernest, Leona, Helene, Yvonne, and Irois; and great-granddaughters Sloane and Charlotte.
Clarence served in the Canadian Air Force before marrying and moving to the United States to make a better life for himself and his bride. They settled where many French Canadians did, in Waltham, MA. He was a self-taught interior finish carpenter. As his family grew, they moved to Maynard, MA. He then moved to Moncton, NB in 1979, leaving behind his two oldest sons and middle daughter. The boys continued in carpentry and later formed the home construction company Melanson Bros., Inc. In 1985 Clarence moved back to MA and joined the company. He was very proud of all his children and their accomplishments. He loved being part of the company that his boys created and the many homes they built in multiple towns within central MA.
Clarence was a kind and generous man who was loved by all who were lucky enough to know him. He met you with a big smile and was genuinely happy to see you, even if only for a minute. He was quick to help anyone in need and always tried to find the brighter side of any difficult situation. He was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and believed in God as the highest power. He enjoyed playing card games and never turned down an opportunity to play cribbage or 200. He was an avid gardener who was happy to share his vegetables with anyone that stopped by the house to visit. Clarence enjoyed hosting extended family from Canada and insisted everyone stay at the house as there was “plenty of room!” Tending to his house and yard were his passions after retirement. His greatest loves were his wife and the family they created. He was happiest having gatherings at the house to celebrate milestones and holidays because it meant seeing everyone together.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we bid him farewell. He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and best friend all rolled up into one spectacular guy. Clarence will be missed every minute of every day.
A special Thank You to the UMass Medical Oncology team, and to the Beacon Hospice Care staff for the wonderful care and support given to our family at a very trying time.
Calling hours will be held from 4 until 7PM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Church, 809 Main St., Lancaster. Private burial will be held at St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of J. Clarence Melanson to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Online condolences may be placed at www.mcnallywatson.com
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