Carl Frederick Mellin
May 14, 1925 — October 4, 2015
RINDGE, NH - Carl Frederick Mellin, Jr., 90, formerly of Gardner, MA and Rindge, NH, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, October 4th in Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough, NH, with his family at his side.
He was born in Concord, NH on May 14, 1925, the son of Carl Frederick Mellin., Sr. and Katherine (Maier) Mellin, and was known to all as “Fred.” His early years were spent in Lancaster, NH before moving to Gardner, MA where Fred lived until 1991 when he moved to Lake Monomonac in Rindge, NH. He lived in Rindge for 24 years.
Fred attended Gardner High School for three years, during which time he was captain of the GHS swim team. During the summers he served as a camp counselor teaching waterfront safety and life saving.
At age 17 Fred enlisted in the Air Force to serve in World War Two. He had his preflight training at Butler University and was then transferred to San Antonio where he earned his pilot’s license and instrument rating for the B-25. He was honorably discharged from the service as a Second Lieutenant.
After returning home, he schooled one year at Chauncy Hall Preparatory School before going on to M.I.T. While at M.I.T. he served as editor of the Freshman Handbook and chairman of the inter-faith council. Fred belonged to the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and held the swimming record for the 50 and 100 meter. In 1950, he graduated with an engineering degree and an honorary sports degree.
Fred then went to work at General Electric for one year before working at and then purchasing the F.W.Lombard Company in South Ashburnham, MA. For over 57 years he served as President and Treasurer of that company. During that time he was a member of the Gardner Rotary Club for over 57 years serving as president for one year. He worked on the Rotary Auction for many years and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was a director of the Gardner Chamber of Commerce for 7 years, served on the board of the Heywood Hospital and was Moderator at the First Congregational Church . He belonged to the Gardner Boat Club and Monomonac Sporting Club, and was a former member of the Chair City Club. Fred was an avid golfer, who once shot a hole in one, and bridge player. His long and accomplished life was marked by an ever present and infectious sense of joy and enthusiasm, that will be missed by all who knew him.
He leaves his wife, Dorothy “Polly” (Hartshorn) Mellin, whom he married in 1954. Together they had three children: Carl F. Mellin 111, Jane Mellin Barnes and Anne H. Mellin. He also leaves his extended family: Carolyn Mellin, Ricardo Barnes, Sue Schoenfeld, Beanne and Larry Rothenberg; his grandchildren: Cassidy Mellin, Tessa Mellin, Grady Mellin, Jacob Rothenberg, Dylan Rothenberg and Lexi Guimond, and a brother William D. Mellin of Houston, TX. A sister, Anne Mellin Hawes, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10th at 1:30 P.M. in First Congregational Church, 28 Green Street, Gardner, MA. The Rev. John Condon will officiate. Following the funeral, a reception will follow in the church hall.
There are no calling hours. Burial will be Cathedral of the Pines Cemetery, Rindge, NH at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Gardner Rotary Club, PO Box 1142, Gardner, MA.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA is directing arrangements.