William Bill B. Melaugh Jr. Obituary (1922 - 2015)

South Portland- William Bill B. Melaugh Jr., of Sawyer Street, died peacefully, Saturday, October 10. 2015, at home with people who loved him. He was born in Portland,on January 24, 1922, son of William B. Sr. and Annie (Mullins) Melaugh, Bill graduated from Deering High School, and attended Portland Junior College before moving on, and graduating from Maine Maritime Academy. From there he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served as a Gunnery Officer on the Destroyer USS Cushing (DD 797) in the Pacific theatre. During WWII he participated in the Mariana and Palau Islands Campaign, the Battle of Angaur, the Philippines Campaign, 1944-45, the Battle for the Leyte Gulf, pre-invasion strikes on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the Battle of Okinawa, and finally, strikes on the Tokyo area until the end of the war. For several months after the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, he served on the Harbor Entrance Control Vessel at Sagami Wan for the occupation forces before returning home to South Portland. He received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. Bill married Ann Vanier on April 10, 1948, and together they raised their children, traveled, enjoyed time with family and friends, and were devoted to one another for over 67 years. Bill was a Manufacturers Representative for Top Value Stamps, Lifesavers, and Whitmans Chocolates, before entering the Real Estate business in 1963. He was a member of the Professional Standards Committee of the Board of Realtors for 14 years, which was a role that he was uniquely suited for given his attention to detail and deep respect for his chosen profession. He worked well into his eighties, welcoming families to the Portland area, and finding them homes. He was very good at what he did, and was known to mentor many of his younger colleagues. Bill, being a dedicated professional, was graced with long term relationships, and sold homes to the children and grandchildren of some of his first customers. He took great pride in this. When his children were young Bill was an umpire and District 6 Administrator for Little League Baseball. He coached Holy Cross Grammar School Baseball to inner city championships three years running. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, South Portland Kiwanis, Purpoodock Golf Club, Willowdale Golf Club and Tennis of Maine. Bill deeply enjoyed supporting his grandchildren, attending as many of their athletic, musical and theatrical events as was possible. He was passionate about Christmas, and enjoyed showing off his extensive collection of Santa statues and Christmas music boxes to friends, family, and most especially the young children in the neighborhood. Many thanks to the people who helped care for Bill as he battled Alzheimers Disease with the grace and strength that he brought to the rest of his life. Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Ann Vanier Melaugh; sons William J. Melaugh, and wife Susan of Sharon, Massachusetts, Robert J. Melaugh of South Portland, Steven P. Melaugh and wife Christine of Media, Pennsylvania, and James M. Melaugh and wife Stephanie of Portland; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends. He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Visiting hours will be held 4:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited 10:15 am, Wednesday, at the Chapel followed by an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. To view Bills memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.