MELANSON, ALFRED - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alfred Melanson, 72, beloved husband of Ethel (Barrieau) Melanson and loving father of nine children. Alfred passed away on Friday, October 9, 2009, with his family by his side after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Alfred was born in Moncton, New Brunswick (NB), Canada, son of the late Edgar and Anna Melanson. At age 17, Alfred moved with his family to Connecticut, eventually settling in Simsbury, where he resided for 48 years. He was the founder of Mell Construction Company and a well-respected builder in the Farmington Valley area. Alfred was very involved in the Simsbury community and spent much of his time coaching Simsbury's youth in hockey and baseball. He was one of the founders of Simsbury Youth Hockey and was a coach for over 35 years; inducted into the Simsbury Youth Hockey Hall of Fame's first class of inductees. He was a long time parishioner and supporter of St. Mary's Parish. He enjoyed his summers in Bouctouche, NB, where the family would gather for vacations. Alfred leaves his loving wife of 52 years, Ethel (Barrieau) Melanson, their children; Charline Poirier and her husband Philip of Avon, Denise McDonald and her husband Michael of Freehold, NJ, Marc and his wife Tracey of Simsbury, Robert and his wife Louise of Bloomfield, Charles and his wife Suzanne of Simsbury, Donald and his wife Michelle of Simsbury, Andrea Wlochowski and her husband Blair of Bloomfield, Paul and his wife Suzanne of Simsbury, and Daniel and his wife Darcy of Simsbury. He also leaves 32 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and his siblings Therese Theriault and her husband Antoine of Moncton, NB, and Corinne and her husband Ulysse LeBlanc of Dieppe, NB, Iroi Melanson and his wife Ida of Killingworth, Leonard Melanson and his wife Mary of Simsbury, and Lillian Motta and her husband William of Clinton. He was predeceased by his brothers Edgar and Clarence, and his sister Pauline Cote. He also leaves his wife's extended family in New Brunswick and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad was the perfect role model and mentor to all who met him, whether he was coaching or being a great husband, dad or grandfather. In his quiet way he always made you feel special. He will be greatly missed. The Melanson Family is forever grateful for those who provided comfort during his illness. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, Sunday, October 11, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Monday, October 12, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Simsbury. Burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1052, to support the daily Mass on TV that Mom and Dad watched faithfully through his illness. For online condolences or directions please visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.