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Donald MELANSON Obituary
MELANSON, Donald G.
Donald Gerard
Melanson, 84 of South Glastonbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, (July 14, 2011) after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Arlington, MA on October 16, 1926 to the late Thelma T. (Wilson) and Jess T. Melanson. He was the beloved husband of Faith Ellen (Sorber). He is survived by their two sons: Donald Jr. his wife Lynn of Southbury; Robert Allen and his wife Linda of Manchester. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sean Donald, Kelley Lynn and Robert Allen Melanson Jr., his two brothers: Gerald Melanson of MA. and Alfred Melanson of CA. and his niece Jean Golicz of Old Saybrook. In addition to his parents, Donald is predeceased by a daughter Donna Lee Melanson. Donald was always very active and lived life to the fullest whether on land, water or in the air. At the young age of 15 he earned his pilot's license and patrolled the air on the East Coast searching for submarines for the Civil Air Patrol based out of Boston, he then proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Donald was employed as a design engineer and consultant for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for over 50 years, where he is a holder of two patents for the JT8D jet engine. Throughout his life he had a passion for downhill skiing. Early on he belonged to the Mountain Laurel Ski Club of Hartford. He was a ski instructor for 40 years, first at Springfield Ski Club where he was also once the Junior Program Director and Race Director. Donald achieved Associate Certification through the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and he continued to teach at Mohawk Ski Area, until his retirement at age 79. He also was a NASTAR racer for P&W for over 15 years. Donald's lifelong passion was boating. He and Faith spent the last 35 years at Pilot's Point Marina North Yard in Westbrook, where he leaves behind many friends. He was a past Commodore of the Menunketesuck Yacht Club of Westbrook and past Commander of the Meriden Power Squadron. Donald also was very creative, he was an avid painter and past President of the Glastonbury Art Guild. Donald also enjoyed golfing, bowling and walking.
Donald's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Church, 2577Main St., Glastonbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Preserve the Sound, Long Island Sound Fund. Please make checks out to "DEP- LIS Fund" and can be mailed to: Long Island Sound Fund, Office of Long Island Sound Programs, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, 79 Elm Street., Hartford,CT06106-5127. To share memories with the family or to send condolences, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald MELANSON
October 3, 2011
Although We have never met Don, We have heard only wonderful stories about him. My husband and I feel a wonderful peace when we are on The Seafarer, his precious boat. We truly share his passion for the water and the beautiful sunsets. In his honor, The Seafarer will maintain the name that Don had given her, and we will think of Don with fond thoughts always. We are truly sorry for the loss the Melanson family and friends have suffered. Sincerely,
David and Joann Norman, Clinton, Connecticut
Barbara Dean
July 27, 2011
I knew Don for the past few years as a wonderfully kind and gentle neighbor. I enjoyed talking with him as we met in the neighborhood during walks or playing with our puppies. I recall how positive and optimistic he remained during his battle with cancer. He looked forward to each day with a smile and I will miss seeing this wonderful man catching some sun when I look over to his porch. My deepest sympathy to his family who must miss him very much.
Jill and Joe Luisi
July 22, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Faith and family.Donald was such a lovely, gentle man. We had instant feelings of meeting a wonderful couple and we were always so happy they bought our boat and it gave them such joy as it did us. The world has lost a true gentleman
Douglas Webb
July 19, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Lynne & Rit Talbot
July 18, 2011
We are quite saddened by the loss of our friend, Don. He touched so many lives with his gentle and dignified ways. He was such an amazing man. Although his life was full of accomplishments he was too humble to speak of them. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or just stop, chat and brighten your day!
We try to find some degree of solace in understanding that his difficult battle with Cancer is now over and he is at peace, but he will be truly missed.
Erik Enyedy
July 18, 2011
To the Melanson Family, Sorry to hear of your loss.
July 18, 2011
My heart is sad. Don was one of my most favorite customers and reminded me so much of my own father. I will miss him, as will everyone here at Pilots Point. I feel blessed for having known him. Take care of yourselves.
Jan Fisher-Forte, Brewer Pilots Point Marina
Richard Melanson
July 17, 2011
Uncle Don is and always will be, a truely evolved Human- no finer thing can be said of his life.
Fare you well, Sir...
Catherine Melanson
July 17, 2011
My Uncle Don was a very kind and loving person. He was a great conversationalist and a true gentleman. I remember his visits to California and how much fun he was at our BBQ's. I have many fond memories staying at his house for the summer in CT. Rest in peace Uncle Don, with Love, Catherine
Catherine Melanson
July 17, 2011
My Uncle Don was a very kind and loving person. He was a great conversationalist and a true gentleman. I remember his visits to California and how much fun he was at our BBQ's. I have many fond memories staying at his house for the summer in CT. Rest in peace Uncle Don, with Love, Catherine
July 17, 2011
I had the pleasure of working for Don in the 80's and with him at Belcan. It was a privlege to know him.
Ros Hall, Storrs
Barnett Black
July 17, 2011
Always enjoyed working with Don over the years at Pratt and Whitney. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Bob Wilson
July 17, 2011
I am very saddened
to hear of Don's passing. Don was a real gentleman and a great design engineer. There are many aircraft flying today that carry engine externals designed by Don. I worked with Don for many years, both at PW and Belcan.
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