Obituary of Melvin Paton

Melvin R. Paton, a retired Chemical Engineer, passed away at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. The husband of Jean A. (Madden) he was 65 years old. Melvin was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was raised and educated in Booth Bay Maine. Mel went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving his country in the United States Navy as a Pilot. He flew countless missions of aircraft carriers over Vietnam. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. Mel was proud of his service to his country and was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Mel had a full and active life. He worked as a Chemical Engineer for Circuit Board Fabrication in Haverhill. He had a passion for Music and when he was in college at the University of Wisconsin he was a member of a band. He and his friends often gathered together and “jammed” in each other’s basements while over the years. He also had an impressive guitar collection. Mel enjoyed being with family and friends whether it was sharing a meal together, spending time at Hampton Beach or watching a Red Sox or Patriots game together. Mel embraced life all the way to his finals days. Mel was the beloved husband and best friend of Jean A. (Madden). He was the loving father of Erin Carlson of WI, James Paton of CO and the late Joel Paton. He was the brother of Neil Paton & his wife Joanne of WI, Sheila Elavsky of WI & her late husband Jerry Elavsky. He was the beloved son of the late Alexander and Frieda Paton and adored son-in-law of Helen Madden and the late Joseph Madden. He was the loving brother-in-law of Joseph M. Madden & Emily Madden and Joan & Joe Leone. He was also survived by many nephews and nieces and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Tuesday, July 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services at 1:30 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Mel’s name may be made to the Lahey Clinic Oncology Department, c/o Philanthropy Department, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net