Melvin Lester Johnson, beloved husband of the late Beverly L. (Slaney) Johnson, passed away on March 22, 2016. Born August 11, 1938 to the late Harold F. and Marjorie R. (French) Johnson and raised in Hanover, MA.

A proud graduate of Hanover High School Class of 1956 and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. A loyal employee for 32 years at McCarthy Brothers Ice Cream Company of Whitman, MA.

Melvin was a longtime member of the Hanson Volunteer Firefighters, retiring as Deputy Chief. He was a former Treasurer of the Hanson Firefighter's Association and an avid bowler with the Hanson Firefighter's "Sparks" bowling team at the Hanson AA Bowladrome.

Mr. Johnson was a 25 year member of the Phoenix Masonic Lodge, Hanover, MA. A devoted husband, brother, father, proud grandfather and loyal friend. His smile, jovial laugh and helping hands will be missed by many.

He is survived by his children: Arnold M. (Debra) Johnson of Rochester, MA; Ellen A. (Curt) Gustafson of North Windham, CT; and Tina Lyn (Jay) Donovan of Marshfield, MA. His grandchildren: Nicholas, Rebecca, Elise, Meghan, James, Henry and Julia, his brother, Kenneth (Dawn) Johnson of West Chicago, IL, his brother-in-law, Donald Graham of Hanover, MA, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Donations may be made to the Rainbow Camp of Hanson Legacy Fund, PO Box 894, Hanson, MA 02341

The family welcomes friends and relatives to celebrate his life on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union Street Rockland from 5:00-8:00 PM. Members of the Phoenix Lodge AF&AM will conduct a Ritual at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the First Congregational Church of Hanover. Burial will follow the Funeral Service in Hanover Center Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Rainbow Camp of Hanson Legacy Fund, PO Box 894, Hanson, MA 02341