DANVERS- Mr. Walter Joseph Melanson 78 of Danvers, beloved husband of Margaret J. (Amos) Melanson, died Saturday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.

Born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, he was the son of the late Alfred and Emma (Gould) Melanson. He was raised and educated in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada and immigrated to the United States in 1967. He and his beloved wife first settled in Cambridge and moved to Danvers in 1967 and have made their home in Town ever since.

Mr. Melanson served in the Canadian Royal Forces having seen action in Korean during the Korean War.

Mr. Melanson had been employed for over ten years as a custodian at Masconomet Regional High School in Topsfield until the time of his retirement. Previously he had been employed a truck operator.

Having a true love of family, Walter was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who had a passion for guitars and cars. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his loving wife of fifty three years, Walter is survived by two daughters, Cheryl MacLean and her husband Daniel of Peabody and Tracy Thomas and her husband Lornie of Beverly, his grandchildren, Daniel MacLean and his wife Nicole, Jodi MacLean and Jake and Emma Thomas all of Beverly, his brothers, Fred Melanson of Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada and Gerald Melanson of Cambridge and several nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Tuesday at 1 P.M. As requested no visiting hours. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Walter's memory to the Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence; visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com < http://www.odonnellfuneralservice.com/ > or for further information, inquire at 978-774-6600.