Melvin R. "Mel" Pimentel

UXBRIDGE — Melvin "Mel" R. Pimentel, 81, formerly of Walpole and Lady Lake, Fla., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 30, 2008, at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Northbridge.

Born (on April 19, 1927) and raised in Gloucester, he was the son of the late Manual J. and Palmeda (Souza) Pimentel. He served his country honorably in the Navy aboard the USS Barnes, CVE 20, from 1944 to 1946. In December 1946, he moved to Walpole when he married his beloved and devoted wife of 55 years, Marion Elizabeth (Bette) Burns, who predeceased him in December 2001.

Mel worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Walpole as a letter carrier for many years and retired in 1986 as a supervisor. He was past president of the local branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union. He also was very active in the Walpole Youth Hockey league. An avid sportsman, he loved his game of golf and playing softball, as well as watching every sport on TV.

After his retirement, he and Bette moved to Nalcrest, Fla., where he became fire chief of the Nalcrest volunteer fire department. Several years later, he and Bette relocated to Lady Lake, Fla., where they enjoyed the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale so much that he became a volunteer for many years.

In June 2007, Mel married Leona "Lee" Donovan of Northbridge, formerly of Lady Lake, and relocated to Uxbridge to be closer to family.

In addition to his loving wife, Lee, he leaves his two sons and their wives, Robert B. and Mary Pimentel of Ashland, and Paul R. and Michelle Pimentel of Dennisport. He was the grandfather of Lisa Gomez, John Pimentel, Erick Currin, Jennifer Pimentel, Jason Pimentel, Michael Guertin and Daniel Guertin. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Rose, and Anthony Tocco of Gloucester, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Manual and Richard Pimentel.

The services and burial will be private at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Expressions of sympathy may be to made the charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

www.delaneyfuneral.com