Bradford, VT John Carl Jack Melahn, Jr. 80, of Upper Plain, died on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born in Kearny, NJ, October 13, 1931, a son of John C. and Priscilla (Firth) Melahn, Sr. He graduated from Kearny High School in 1949 and Vermont Tech, Randolph in 1951. Jack spent 20 years serving in the United States Navy in a variety of capacities, primarily as an aviation mechanic. Upon his discharge in 1972, he retired to Bradford where he was employed with the Vermont Department of Transportation as a mechanic in the Bradford Shed retiring from that job in 1991. Jack was a member of the Bradford Congregational Church and served as a Trustee for nine years, was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Rutland, VT, Vermont Tech Alumni Association, and was a former President of the Maple Center Good Sam Club. Jack enjoyed building model airplanes and flying them as well. He also enjoyed fishing. He married Priscilla Nelson on January 14, 1956. Together they enjoyed many years of camping and wintering in Tall Timber Trailer Park in Silver Springs, FL. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Priscilla Melahn of Bradford; three children, Deborah J. Melahn and wife Debra of Plymouth, MA, Dennis A. Melahn and wife Cathy of Gilbertsville, PA, and David A. Melahn and wife Jayne of Lebanon, NH; four grandchildren, Regina, Krystyna, Katelyn, and Allison; a sister, Janice Ann Dow-Smith and husband Tom of Hanna, WY. Calling hours will be on Thursday, September 13 from 6 to 8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A memorial service will be on Friday, September 14 at 11 AM, at Ricker Funeral Home with Rev. Karen Lipinczyk from the Bradford Congregational Church officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Sawyer Cemetery, Bradford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Military Family Association, 2500 North Van Dorn Street, Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601.