Melvin B. Douglas

ASHBURNHAM; Melvin B. Douglas, 85, a former longtime Ashburnham, resident passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024 at his home in Largo, Florida after a short illness surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Mel was born in Boston, September 23, 1938, the son of Earl and Eleanor (Jaaskelainen) Douglas. After graduation from Fitchburg High School in 1956, Mel went to work at Independent Lock Company in the administration office as a timekeeper. While employed there he met the love of his life, Alice (McHugh) Douglas. They were married in 1959. That year Mel attended Barber School in Boston, MA and worked as a barber for many years. Concurrently, he began working at the Fitchburg Yarn Works until 1971. In 1971 he went to work at the Decatone Paper Mill and remained there until 1981. In 1981 he went to work for the AmeriGas company until 1996. From 1996-2006 he worked in the custodial department at Monty Tech Vocational School in Fitchburg. In 2006 he switched to driving busses for the school’s sports teams retiring in 2019. He resided many years in South Ashburnham area before moving to Largo, FL four years ago. He had attended the former St Anne’s Parish in South Ashburnham. Mel and Alice were inducted into the Oakmont Regional High School Hall of Fame 1999 for 22 years of civic contribution. Mel served as President of the Football Booster Club and Secretary/Treasurer of the Courtside Club. He was famous for making the best grilled hotdogs in the Wachusett League. He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. The Douglas home was a magnet for family and friends where there was always a beverage for thirsty folks. Family members, prior colleagues, coaches, and teachers looked forward to stopping by to catch up with the Douglas family. He will be missed dearly. Mel is survived by three sons, Michael A. Douglas and his wife, Kristen, of Belmont, Timothy M. Douglas and his wife, Susan, of Winchendon, David E. Douglas and his companion Christine Conner of Westminster; his daughter, Bridget E. Paine and her husband, Kevin of Fremont, NH; his sister, Sandra Smith of Cherry Valley, California; ten grandchildren, Amanda Douglas Rios, Ryan Douglas, Austin Douglas, Timothy B. Douglas, Angela Wilbur, Haley Spencer, Gabrielle Paine, Carter Paine, Barron Hiltz and Michael Hiltz. He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-three years, Alice (McHugh) Douglas who passed away in 2012. The Douglas family will receive relatives and friends at a visitation period 4-7 PM Friday February 2,, 2024 at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. www.andersonfuneral.com Mel’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Denis Church, 85 Main Street, Ashburnham. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or mailed to American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741

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Melvin B. Douglas

September 23, 1938 - January 28, 2024