Melvin Jetmore Jr., 85, a native of New London, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, surrounded in loving comfort by his family.
Melvin was born Sept. 12, 1932, in New London, the son of the late Melvin Jetmore Sr. and Josephine (Trafaconda) Jetmore. Melvin worked for the City of New London for close to four decades, starting in engineering, becoming assistant building inspector, building inspector and director of Public Works.
He attended New London public schools, Bulkeley School, and was in the first graduating class of New London High School after the merger of Bulkeley and Chapman Tech. He was a standout athlete at Bulkeley and New London High and always considered himself a Bulkeley Boy. His lifelong relationship with his two best buddies, Don Radicioni and James Buonocore began in kindergarten. Melvin attended Mitchell College, the University of Connecticut and the University of Massachusetts.
Melvin is survived by his daughters, Jody Humble and husband, Tom and Susan Jetmore; his son, James Jetmore; grandchildren, Kelsey and Keenan Humble; and brothers, Robert Jetmore of New London and David Jetmore and his wife, Joan, of Niantic.
He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Gennotti and Ann Carlson.
Melvin, aka Junior, developed an interest in horses while working at his father's riding stable in the 1940s. Melvin's other passion was building, designing and personally building the five homes he lived in over the course of his life. Mel's motto was, "Always follow your dreams," and he combined his two passions when following his own dream to have a working horse farm. He built two houses, a barn and an enclosed riding arena on his 160 acre Griswold property. His goal was to have all his children living on, "his farm," and they were with him at the time of his death.
There are no calling hours and burial is private. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
A donation may be made in Melvin's name to a charity of your choice.
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