Edward J. Melanson, 83, of Port Charlotte, FL, formerly of Tewksbury, died July 22, 2012 in Florida after a brief illness.

He is predeceased by his first wife, Bernice (O'Brien) Melanson and his second wife, Edythe Melanson. Ed is survived by his three children, Donna Sempolinski and her husband Andy of Sharon; Paula Putnam and her husband David of Northborough; Ed Melanson, Jr. and his wife Donna of Ft. Mill, SC; loving grandfather of Adam Sempolinski, Alex, Stephen and Brendan Putnam and is survived by 5 step- children and their families.

Ed was born in Boston and raised in Malden; he is the son of the late John J. and Cedulie (Leblanc) Melanson. He was a veteran of the Army during WWII. Ed was formerly employed at EG&G and Honeywell. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed boating. Ed was a competitive marksman for many years at Mystic Valley Gun Club in Malden. He moved down to Port Charlotte in 1995, and became an active member in the Peace River Sail and Power Squadron and Charlotte County Genealogical Society.

Calling hours will be held Friday July 27, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Ed's funeral Mass Saturday will be held on July 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St. (Rte. 20) Northborough. Burial will follow in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to: American Cancer Society; 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA, 01701. For online condolences, please visit: www.haysfuneralhome.com