Thomas Joseph Melody Jr, age 97, of Newtown, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024.

Born in Danbury, Connecticut on April 17, 1927, he was the son of the late Thomas J. Melody Sr and Marguerite (Emilia) Melody of Bethel.

A proud US Navy veteran, Thomas served his country with honor as a Radarman during WW2 on the USS Taconic. After his military service, he worked for 47 years at Barden Corporation in a variety of roles, including manufacturing engineer, and credit union systems. He was a man ahead of his time doing manufacturing costing analysis on Apple 2 computers and built a lifetime of strong bonds and friendships with his easygoing personality.

He served in a leadership role with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and lent his time to Junior Achievement, and always championed his boy’s activities, especially in the Boy Scouts.

He spent 63 years at his beloved home in Newtown, was a communicant of St Rose Church, and enjoyed his summer vacations since 1955 to his favorite place, South Dennis, Mass., journeying there nearly every year of his life, swimming at West Dennis Beach, and watching sunsets at Sesuit Harbor.

Thomas was predeceased by his dear wife Betty, and most recently by his fond nephew Paul.

He is survived by his two sons, Thomas Joseph Melody III and his wife Therese, and Mark Melody and his wife Linda. He also leaves behind his dear nieces and nephew Donna, Tricia, Kathleen, and Michael, and all of his friends who will remember him fondly for his kindness, work ethic, and devotion to his country.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 19, at 10 am, at St Mary Parish in Bethel. Burial will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, on Monday, November 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.