Frederick "Fred" Melvin of West Chesterfield, New Hampshire, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on January 31, 1932, in Keene, New Hampshire, Fred was the son of William and Hazel (Flagg) Melvin. He spent his life rooted in the Cheshire County community he called home. In his younger years, he worked at Carrie Chair Shop and McKenzie Dairy before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. Following his military service, Fred returned to Keene and worked at Morgan Linen, then went on to spend the rest of his professional career as a tractor-trailer driver for UPS.

In 1957, Fred married Barbara Davis, beginning a marriage that would span nearly seven decades. Together, they raised three children: Linda, John, and Donald. As a family, they ran Melvin's IGA in West Chesterfield. Fred and Barbara also enjoyed traveling across the United States in their camper van, making memories along the way. Over the years, Fred shared a special bond with the family's many pets, especially their beloved dog, Shadow.

Fred took great pride in being part of his community and found many ways to give back throughout his life. He was a volunteer firefighter in Chesterfield and Keene and served as a selectman for the town of Chesterfield. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion in Chesterfield, where he held several leadership positions over the years, and was a longtime member of the First Universalist Church in West Chesterfield. His love of horseshoes brought him together with many friends and fellow enthusiasts as a founding member of the Keene Horseshoe Club, which was involved in the World Horseshoe Tournament hosted in Keene. Whether serving his community or enjoying a friendly game, Fred valued the friendships and connections he made along the way.

Music was another great love of Fred's life. He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing classic country songs, and yodeling, simply for the joy of it. He and Barbara even shared their love of music as members of a band together. Music remained a lifelong passion and one of the many things his family will always remember about him.

Fred had a deep appreciation for the life he built in West Chesterfield. He loved spending time on his land, mowing the fields and watching the deer and turkeys that wandered through. Above all, he cherished sharing that life with his family. He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, whether playing a game of horseshoes, watching his favorite western television shows, FaceTiming his grandkids and their pets, or gathering around the table for a game of Hand and Foot with his family.

Fred will be remembered for the moments he shared with the people he loved. His music, his stories, his jokes, and the many traditions he helped create will continue to live on through the family he loved so dearly.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Barbara Melvin of West Chesterfield, NH; his loving sons, John Melvin and his wife, Gerri Rubin, and Donald Melvin and his wife, Pam, all of Keene, NH. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, who loved him dearly from all over the United States: Kurtis Melvin and Kevin Melvin, both of Rhode Island; Katie Melvin of South Carolina; John Melvin Jr. of Arizona; Barbara Lee Brake of Vermont; Emily Zwierzchowski of New Mexico; Jack Zwierzchowski and Charlie Zwierzchowski, both of Utah; and Jackie Rybicki of New Hampshire.

Fred is also survived by his four great-grandchildren, Victoria and Violet Melvin and Kamron and Charlotte Rybicki; along with his sister, Phyllis; and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Brake (2022); his daughter-in-law, Darlene Melvin (2008); his brothers, William (1930), Kenneth (2002) and Robert (1985); his sister, Shirley (2018); his parents, William Melvin (1994) and Hazel Flagg (1966); and many other loved ones.

A private graveside service was held with immediate family in attendance.