Shrewsbury – Harold “Harry” Melden Jr., 87, passed away Wednesday July 27, 2011.
He leaves his wife of 60 years, June (Grady) Melden of Shrewsbury, and his devoted children, Mark Melden of British Columbia, Kurt Melden and his wife Therese (Martin) Melden of Manchester by the Sea, and Susan Melden Palatucci and her husband Christopher Palatucci of Worcester. He also leaves six grandchildren, Christopher, Harrison, Katherine and Connor Palatucci and Emily and Anne Melden; his in-laws, Dorothy and George Allen of Wilbraham and Elaine and Donald Grady of Shrewsbury; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Catherine Lula Melden, and his sister, Virginia Melden Lewis.
Born June 19, 2924 in Salem, he attended South High in Worcester. In 1949, he graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, earning a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, and later attended the WPI School of Industrial Management and executive courses at the University of Michigan. While at WPI, he was a member of Skull, the Athletic Council, and founding member of the Poly Club, senior honor society, class Treasurer, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Captain of the football team. In 1987, he was inducted into WPI's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mr. Melden proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943-1946 in the Engineering and Signal Battalions. He was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Area from 1945-1946 and achieved the rank of Corporal.
He joined the Worcester Gas Light Company, later Commonwealth Gas, in 1950, retiring in 1985 as Vice President of Gas Supply and System Control. He was inducted into the American Gas Association's Industrial and Commercial Hall of Flame. He was President of the Greendale Kiwanis from 1970-1971, a member of the Retired Men's Club of Greendale, the Masons and the American Legion. He was also a member of the New England Gas Association, the American Gas Association and the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers. He attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Shrewsbury.
Mr. Melden was a lifelong athlete and enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and was a member of Tatnuck Country Club in Worcester. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and visiting with friends.
The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the many people who provided Mr. Melden with love and caring support over the last several years, including family and friends, Pleasantries Adult Day Care Services of Marlborough, Tatnuck Park Harbor Program in Worcester and Coleman House in Northborough.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours Friday July 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St. Burial plans will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support student financial aid may be sent to WPI, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester, MA 01609 or the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
For online condolences, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
