J. Clarence Melanson

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