Michael J. Melia

Beloved husband, father, grand and great grandfather, brother;

Michael J. Melia, 76, of Pelham, NH, passed away peacefully on Monday March 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family following a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Linda (Foucault) Melia, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Born and raised in Lawrence, MA, Michael was the son of the late Martin F. Melia and the late Jane E. (Gallagher) Melia. One of ten siblings, he was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Boston College in 1970, followed by a graduate degree from Brown University in 1983.

Michael enjoyed a long and successful career in banking, serving as Vice President of Community Savings Bank in Lawrence, MA. Later in life, he embarked on a second career at General Dynamics in Nashua, NH, where he left a lasting impact and built lifelong friendships.

A devoted parishioner at St. Patrick Church in Pelham, NH, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6902, he served faithfully as Financial Secretary for 37 years. His fellow Knights were among his dearest friends, and he found great purpose and brotherhood in their shared service and faith.

Simple pleasures brought him joy—cheering on his beloved New England Patriots, spending time outdoors, and tending to his yard and gardens. He was often seen puttering around the yard, carefully building hardscapes to expand his gardens. One of his favorite traditions was Friday night snack night with his wife and children—watching Knight Rider and The Incredible Hulk while enjoying cheese curls, peanuts, and Market Basket soda. Holidays and family gatherings were especially meaningful, and he was particularly proud of his award-winning potato salad, a staple at summer barbecues and always a crowd-pleaser.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, and their seven children: Sean Melia of Hampton, NH; Carrie Toto and her husband John of Pelham, NH; Michael Melia and his wife Michelle of Hampton Falls, NH; Erin Melia and her husband Frank Furtado of Pelham, NH; Marc Melia and his wife Sarah of Hampton, NH; Kaitlin Shaw and her husband Ryan of Windham, NH; and Rachel Rutherford and her husband Tim of Allenstown, NH.

He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren—Sara, Aly, Ryan, Lilliana, Jack, Kalina, Ireland, Anthony, Violet, and Michael—and a loving great-grandfather to Jessie.

Michael is survived by his siblings: Patricia Melia-Wholey of Methuen, MA; Ann McClellan of Derry, NH; Edward Melia of Fayette, ME; Stephen Melia of Methuen, MA; John Melia and his wife Kathleen of Methuen, MA; and Kathleen Melia and her husband Philip of Newburyport, MA. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Paul DeCorpo of Dracut, MA, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brothers, Daniel Melia and Martin Melia; his sister, Mary Jane DeCorpo; his brother-in-law and godson, Randy McClellan; and his nephews, Patrick McClellan, Joseph McClellan, and Eric Johnson.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, gentle presence, and deep devotion to his family.

Friends may call on Thursday April 3, 2025, at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM from 4 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Friday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in PELHAM at 11 o’clock. Burial to follow at the Gibson Cemetery in Pelham. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Pelham Food Pantry, 12 Main St., Pelham, NH 03076. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.  

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