Kenneth A. Meliere

Kenneth Arthur Meliere, of Norton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at his home at The Residences at Great Woods on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 90 years old.

Ken grew up in Howard Beach, New York, and graduated from John Adams High School. He went on to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1956 and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1957.

Following graduation, Ken moved to Syracuse, New York, where he began his professional career at Allied Chemical. During this time, he met his former wife, Kathleen Plante Meliere, and they were married in 1963. In 1968, the family relocated to Framingham, Massachusetts, when Ken accepted a position as a Chemical Engineer with Stone & Webster in Boston. He spent many years with Stone & Webster and later continued his engineering career at Raytheon Corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

After retiring from engineering, Ken embraced an "encore career" as a tax preparer with H&R Block, a role he enjoyed for many years before retiring once again and moving to The Residences at Great Woods in Norton.

Ken had a sharp mind and a joyful competitive spirit. He loved playing cards and games, especially bridge, backgammon, poker, and trivia, and was always eager for a good challenge. A gifted musician, Ken was also a wonderful piano player who could play

entirely by ear, filling rooms with music and delighting family and friends without ever needing sheet music.

Ken held a special fondness for this Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Ken's legacy lives on through his beloved children: his son, Robert (Bob) Meliere, and his wife, Maria, and their daughter, Kathleen, of Long Beach, California; and his daughter, Janine Higgins, and her husband, John, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his cherished grand-dog, JJ.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate and devoted staff at The Residences at Great Woods. Words cannot fully express the depth of appreciation for their kindness and care, which will never be forgotten. Deep thanks are also extended to Compassionate Care Hospice-especially Cheryl and Melissa-and to Comfort Home Care, particularly Jess, for their extraordinary support during this time. These individuals are truly angels on earth, doing God's work.

A memorial service honoring Ken's life will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Queens, New York.