Abington – Melvin Libby 89, a lifelong resident of Abington, died Tuesday December 20 surrounded by his loving family after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth C. (Calderara) Libby.
Born and raised in Abington he was the son of the late Herbert and Elsena (Cobbett) Libby and a graduate of Abington High, Class of 1942.
Melvin was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army with the 27th Division Company I, 106 Infantry Regiment in Oahu, Saipan, and Okinawa. Wounded in Okinawa Melvin was the recipient of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star among others. He was a long time member of the Abington Old Town VFW Post 5737.
As a resident of Abington, Melvin was an active member of the community serving several years as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and was a primary organizer for the Abington Little League. He was a member of the United Church of Christ where he served as an Elder Deacon, and an active participant of the South Shore Habitat for Humanity.
Before his retirement in 1981 he was a friendly and familiar face for over 33 years working as postal clerk for the North Abington Post Office.
He is survived by his loving children Robert Libby of Auburndale, James Libby of NC, Kenneth Libby of Whitman, Marjorie Libby of Abington, and Cynthia Libby of Abington, his brothers Herbert Libby of Abington and Donald Libby of Whitman, and his sister Mildred Boudreau of Maine. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kendra (Libby) Coburn.
His funeral service will be held Thursday December 29 at 11 AM in the United Church of Christ, 10 Bedford Street, Abington. Burial will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Abington. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday December 28 from 3-7 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Rt. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman.
In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to the Kendra Diane Libby Coburn Scholarship Fund, Box 2025, Abington, MA 02351 or to Hospice of the South Shore, Box 859060, Braintree, MA 02185.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.blanchardfc.com