William E. Melanson

ORANGE- William E. Melanson, 70, of Enfield Drive, died on January 29, 2021 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing in Worcester.

Born in Fitchburg on June 20, 1950, he was the son of Edward W. and Ruth (Bigwood) Melanson and grew up in Fitchburg and graduated from Smith Academy in 1968.

In 1969, William married Rhonda J. (Rowe) and enjoyed over 51 years together.

William worked for the Rodney Hunt Company in Orange as a machinist and fabricator before retiring after many years.

A lover of old cars, William enjoyed working on them. He loved motorcycle riding  and camping as well.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rhonda Melanson of Orange; a daughter, Dawna Almstrom and her husband, Steven, of West Boyalston; a son, William Melanson and his wife, Barbara, of Orange; grandchildren, William Melanson, Emilee Melanson, Samantha Benoit, Jillian Almstrom and Chase Alsmstrom.

William is also survived by a great granddaughter, Willow Melanson; sisters, Sandra Tetreault of Boxborough, Donna Gardner of Virginia, and Patricia Jordan of Taunton; and many nephews and nieces.

William was predeceased by his brother, Francis Melanson, in 1988.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 1 p.m. in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to www.tedysteam.org for stroke research.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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