Richard A. Melanson

Waltham – Richie Melanson loved his wife of forty-four years, Joanne, more than anything else in the world. When she left us on May 15, 2015 at the young age of seventy-three not a day went by that Richie didn't miss her. She'd been suffering from Parkinson's for almost ten years at the time and the tender, loving, and unselfish way that he cared for her was inspirational. She never complained . . . and neither did he.

Every day the couple, who'd lived their entire married lives in Waltham, made a stop at Dunkin' Donuts the first order of the day. For years. And when Joanne was no longer able to go into the store they were content to share their morning ritual sitting together in the car. Always together.

The simplest things in life always contented them.

When the kids were younger a summer vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee's Sandy Point Beach Resort in Alton Bay was on the annual agenda. A trip thoroughly enjoyed by all. At home Richie was an avid reader and Reader's Digest devotee. He loved listening to country music and gospel music and could carry a tune with the best of them.

In addition to all of those things he just loved his two girls and their families. He was always willing to lend a hand, a heart or an ear to whatever they needed. His joy was made complete with the addition of his five grandchildren who adoringly called him Papa and three months ago with the addition of his great-grandson, Chase.

Richie traveled to the Carolina's to vacation and to California to visit his family there . . . things he'd never considered before but trips that just filled him with happiness.

Retired Waltham Firefighter Richard A. Melanson died Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge after being stricken at home with an aneurysm. He was 78.

He was born in Waltham on August 16, 1938, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Melanson and lived in Waltham all his life. He served for a time with the Massachusetts National Guard.

In addition to all the family things that he and Joanne had done over the years he loved being a Waltham fireman for close to thirty years. His father before him and a couple of his brothers were also on the department. He cherished the comradery, the sense of duty and the men that he served with. His nickname at the station was 'Rammy'. For years he worked as a painter with his dear buddy and fellow firefighter Jimmy Walsh and his son Jeff and never got tired of that job either.

Always one to keep busy he also kept a truck and plowed snow for the city years ago and after that bought himself a little jeep to help family and friends in the neighborhood move their snow, and sometimes their grass, after a winter storm.

He was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 in Waltham and he belonged to Local 866 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

The beloved husband of the late Joanne (Muller) Melanson, he leaves his children, Lisa M. Churchill and her husband, John, of Waltham and Lori A. Losinsky and her husband, Lawrence, of Ladera Ranch, California; his grandchildren, Nick Provencher and his wife, Kristal, Justin and Brett Provencher and Luke and Leah Losinsky; his great-grandson, Chase Provencher; his brothers, Frank, Lenny, Harry and Bill Melanson and several nieces and nephews.

Richie was also a brother of the late Pauline Donnelly, Jean and Donny Melanson.

Family and friends will honor and remember Richard's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, February 23rd from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.