Melvin L. Cass

Melvin L. Cass

Buckland, MA - Melvin Levi Cass, 83, passed away peacefully at the Baystate Franklin Medical Center on November 9, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Born February 1, 1942, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of Nathaniel L. Cass and Carrie (Purinton) Cass, of Buckland. Melvin attended local schools including Arms Academy where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America.

Melvin was a lifelong Buckland resident. Melvin served his country from 1959 to 1963 when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He later enlisted in the Seabees; he was honorably discharged from both.

In between Melvin's enlistments he worked in the logging industry. He would go on to work until his retirement, in the construction industry as a construction worker, a blaster, and a heavy equipment operator. He was also a welder.

For more than 50 years he was a member of the Mountain Lodge of Masons in Shelburne Falls, where he also served as a past Master.

Melvin had a love for the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, snow and water skiing, and for a time flying. He and Bernice enjoyed spending time at his friend Gordon Barton's camp on the Connecticut River, but it was the family camp in New Hampshire he enjoyed the most. Weekends were filled with family from both Massachusetts and New Hampshire and friends. Everyone who went had a great time and came away with wonderful memories.

Melvin will be remembered fondly for his incredible Christmas Eve parties he and Bernice hosted for many years. It was always standing room only, where no one left hungry. It was a time when family and friends had a chance to catch up with each other and talk about the "good old days," and share some Christmas cheer.

He enjoyed working with his hands, building and renovating, he was also a very good mechanic. Melvin put his knowledge of operating equipment to good use for projects at home and helping others. He was always willing to help family and friends whenever needed.

Melvin is predeceased by his parents Nathaniel and Carrie, his brother Lloyd Cass, and the love of his life, his partner of more than 50 years, Bernice Howes. He is survived by his extended family in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and his beloved German Shepherd, Buddy.

The family would like to thank Ed Purinton for always being there for Melvin during his illness and taking him to his appointments when needed. It was Ed, Arnold Purinton, and Russ Dodge's companionship the made a world of difference in the last year of his life. The family would also like to thank Nancy Godbout, Godbout and Associates, and the ICU nurses at Franklin Medical Center for the care and compassion they showed Melvin.

A private graveside service will be held for Melvin on November 19, 2025, at 1:00pm at Mary Lyon Church in Buckland, MA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local animal shelter.