Joseph R. Melanson, 89, of Wareham, died Friday, February 4, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. He was the husband of Mary T. (Rocha) Melanson.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Etta (Marx) Melanson. He graduated from Texas Tech University and Essex Agricultural School where he received degrees in chemistry and physics.  

Mr. Melanson was a high school chemistry teacher at Westboro High School for many years. After his teaching career, he was a self-employed landscaper in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Mr. Melanson served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1955.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Mary T. Melanson of Wareham; his sons, Joseph “Randy” Melanson of Stuart, FL and Michael Melanson and his wife Anna of Stockholm, Sweden; his brother, Richard Melanson and his wife Rosa of Nahant; and his grandchildren, Corina Melanson of Stuart, FL, Rafi Melanson of Concord, NH and Alexander Melanson of Stockholm, Sweden. He was predeceased by his siblings, the late Robert Melanson, Alice Ryan and Joanne Melanson.

Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service on Tues., Feb. 15, 2022, at the Mass. National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne at 10:15 a.m.  Please arrive at the cemetery by 10 a.m.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham.  For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com