Laurie J. Melanson

Laurie J. Melanson, 92, of Sanford, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.Mr. Melanson was born in Springvale on June 5, 1928 to Frank and Mary (Cormier) Melanson. He served eight years in the National Guard and had been employed in the Sanford shoe shops, at Aerofab and at the Baker Company. Laurie had many names. To his friends he was known as Larry. His parental titles included Dad, Pops, Daddy, Pepre and Great Pepre.Larry's love of song and music were shared with those he was close to. Singing on family trips made long rides go quickly. Playing piano, guitar, accordion and violin were some of his favorite pastimes. He was an avid collector of treasures. Among his favorite collections were cast iron toys, comic books and baseball cards. He was also a talented carpenter, gardener and artist. Larry loved his family above all else, being a fierce protector of his wife and children. There was nothing he wouldn't do to keep them safe. He loved them all and made sure to tell them every chance that he got. In addition to raising his own six children, Larry was fortunate enough to share his home and life with two of his granddaughters, Katie and Elizabeth. He will be remembered as a man of talent, honor, fidelity and faith and will be greatly missed.Larry was predeceased by his son, Larry Melanson and by his grandson, Jeffrey Beattie.Surviving are his wife of 68 years, Cecile Melanson; five children, Janice Hussey and her husband David, Arline LaClair and her husband Lawrence, Melinda Beattie and her husband Kevin, Sandra Pollack and her husband Michael and Michelle Osmer; a daughter-in-law, Robbyn Melanson; two sisters, Alberta Sevigny and Doris Jalbert 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.Services for Mr. Melanson will be private.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider sending a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.