Melvin B. Defoe, 75, of Adams St, died Saturday, May 31, at the West Warwick home of his daughter Christina Walls. He was the husband of the late Gloria Racicot. Mr. Defoe was born in Monson, MA, a son of the late Michael and Patricia (Worthe) Defoe. He was a retired Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War. Mr. Defoe served as a member of the D.A.V. Chapter 12 with great passion , was an active member and former State Commander of the V.F.W. Post 11519, and was also a member of the United Veteran’s Council of Woonsocket.
In civilian life, he worked as a chef at the Grand Buffet in Foxwoods, retiring in 2001.
Besides his daughter Christina, he is survived by a son; Dale Matheson of NY, two other daughters; Jeannette Hardwick of FL, and Rebecca Matheson of CA, fourteen grandchildren, and a brother, Kenneth Defoe of CA. He was also the brother of the late Christina Defoe.
His funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM, in the Fournier & Fournier Funeral Home, 463 South Main St, Woonsocket, with procession departing at 10:00 for the VA Memorial Cemetery, Exteter, RI. Visiting hours will be Monday 5-7 PM with a brief prayer service at 6:30.