William F. Melanson

William F. Melanson, age 70, passed away Sept. 9, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Bill was a “Dr. Currie baby”, having been born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1944, at Eastern Long Island Hospital and then living on Shelter Island. He spent his school-time years in Franklin Square (St. Anne’s School) and Jericho, NY (Jericho High School, Class of 1962) with summers on Shelter Island. He eventually moved back to Shelter Island full-time where he had resided since 1967.

Bill liked to spend his winters skiing in Vermont where he was a long time member of the Grumman Ski Club, skiing at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow, Vt. Summers would find him out on his boat, “Summer Fun”, either fishing or just drifting along enjoying our beautiful waters. An avid hunter and a great shot, he rarely missed bagging a deer every fall. He kept his freezer filled with venison.

Bill made friends quite easily and was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Over the years, he was a member of Shelter Island Center Fire Department, drove the ambulance for Shelter Island Rescue Squad, enjoyed being on a bowling team, tending bar at the Chequit Inn, socializing with buddies at The Dory, working at the Chicken BBQ and organizing many Friday night poker games with his buddies.

He worked in maintenance at Greenport High School and eventually was employed by the Highway Department of the Town of Shelter Island, retiring from there in 2009. Bill earned a reputation as a problem solver. With his training in plumbing and general handyman skills, he always seemed to have a way to think outside the box and solve a problem.

Bill enjoyed traveling. His love of skiing was cause for a trip to Zermatt, Switzerland to try out the slopes of the Matterhorn. An invitation to go with a friend to Australia brought Bill many enjoyable memories. He lived on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands for six months while he helped rebuild his sister’s house that was heavily damaged by hurricane Hugo.

Bill’s family and many friends will miss his infectious smile, positive attitude and the man who would always have a joke or story to tell!

Bill is survived by his daughter, Patricia “Trisha” O’Brien (Lloyd Gates) of Southold, his mother, Margaret Melanson of Memphis, Tenn.; his sister, Barbara Huber Connolly (Leo) of Memphis; grandchildren, Alan-Michael O’Brien (Jessica Balter) and Samantha O’Brien; great-grandson, Ethan Robert O’Brien, sister-in-law, Mary Melanson; godson and nephew, David Huber (Michelle), and nieces LCDR Donna Huber, Deborah Huber, Michelle Dunham (Keith), Danielle Reynolds (Steve), a grandniece and seven grandnephews; his aunt and uncle, Lauretta and Vincent King; cousins, Wayne King (Donna), Patricia Labrozzi and Diane Anderson (Will). He was predeceased by his father, Frederick B. Melanson, his brother, Ronald P. Melanson and a brother-in-law, Donald H. Huber

Bill and his family wish to thank his friends and the staffs at ProHealth Oncology, East End Hematology & Oncology, Eastern Long Island Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center who helped him as he was going through his treatment for cancer.

The family will receive visitors Friday, October 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Shelter Island Funeral Home. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, at 10:30 a.m. with Father Peter DeSanctis officiating. Interment will be at Our Lady of the Isle Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service.

This is a paid notice.