Joseph A. Melim

Joseph A. Melim, 95, of Goffstown, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born in Manchester on August 20, 1917, the son of Francisco and Maria (Sousa) Melim and had been a lifelong resident of the area. He was educated in the Manchester school system. He was a World War II Army Veteran, serving as a Sergeant with the 346th Engineering Corps. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and life member of the VFW Post 8214. For over 30 years, he worked for the Manchester Union Leader as the Building and Mechanical Superintendent, retiring in 1983. He enjoyed going to Precious Blood Monastery. He belonged to the Manchester YMCA for over 25 years and went there daily where he was known as "Walking Joe Melim" He was predeceased by his wife, Elva (Jubinville) Melim in 2003.

Family members include his son, Frank Melim and his wife Diane of Goffstown; his daughter, Dianne Melim-Heffernan and her husband Pat of Pittsfield; six grandchildren, Stacey Smith and her husband David, of Goffstown, Joseph Melim and his wife Ann of Goffstown, Wendy Gomes and her husband Rick of Litchfield, Patrick Heffernan of Orofino, Idaho, Anni Mulsow and her husband Eric of Laconia, and Jay Heffernan of Pittsfield; eight great grandchildren; Trevor, Luke, and Sam Gomes, Chloe and Carlee Smith, Isabel Melim, Jacob and Cape Mulsow; a sister, Janet Biron of Manchester; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Melim, and his sisters Celeste (Melim) Lemaire and Sarah (Melim) Freitas.

A committal service followed by military honors will take place on Thursday at 1:00 PM in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Phaneuf funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manchester YMCA, 30 Mechanic St., Manchester, NH 03101. For more information or to view an on-line Tribute, go to www.phaneuf.net