Melvin Russell Pimentel

Melvin "Mel" R. Pimentel, 81 formerly of Walpole and Lady Lake Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 30, 2008 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Northbridge. Born and raised in Gloucester the son of the late Manual J. and Palmeda (Souza) Pimentel on April 19, 1927. He served his Country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the U. S. S. Barnes, CVE 20, from 1944 to 1946. In December 1946 he moved to Walpole when he married his beloved and devoted wife of 55 years, Marion Elizabeth (Bette) Burns who predeceased him in December 2001.

Mel worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Walpole as a letter carrier for many years and retired in 1986 as a Supervisor. He was past President of the local branch of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union. He also was very active in the Walpole Youth Hockey league. An avid sportsman he loved his game of golf and playing softball, as well as watching every sport on T.V.

After his retirement he and Bette moved to Nalcrest, Florida where he became fire chief of the Nalcrest volunteer fire department. Several years later he and Bette relocated to Lady Lake, Florida where they enjoyed the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale so much he became a volunteer for many years. Mel married Leona "Lee" Donovan of Northbridge formerly of Lady Lake and relocated to Uxbridge to be closer family.

In addition to his loving wife, Lee, he leaves his two sons and their wives, Robert B. and Mary Pimentel of Ashland, Paul R. and Michelle Pimentel of Dennis Port. He was the grandfather of Lisa Gomez, John Pimentel, Erick Currin, Jennifer Pimentel, Jason Pimentel, Michael Guertin, and Daniel Guertin. He is also survived by six great grandchildren and one great great grandson.

He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Rose and Anthony Tocco of Gloucester and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Manual and Richard Pimentel.

The services and burial will be private at Bourne National Cemetery. Expressions of Sympathy may be to made the charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street, Walpole, MA. www.delaneyfuneral.com