William R. "Billy" Melin

William “Billy” Ralph Melin, age 65, of West Haven passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022, at his home. He was the devoted husband of Janice (Wendland) Melin for over 45 years. Billy was born on October 31, 1956, in New Haven, son of the late Ralph “Shady Red” and Irene “Sticky” (Horobin) Melin, and was a lifelong West Haven resident.

Billy met Janice in his early teens and their romance began soon after. He worked as a mechanic for several dealerships and CRC in West Haven before his retirement. Billy spent many weekends camping with his family and friends and enjoyed trips to Bermuda, The Bahamas, and Las Vegas. He was a caring and supportive father and an amusing and mischievous grandfather. Bill and Janice loved going for “rides”, trips to the casinos, and spending time with each other at the boat ramp feeding the seagulls. Most recently, Billy took pleasure in riding his scooter throughout his neighborhood, making many friends on his adventures, and looking for deer and turkeys on the way.

In addition to his wife and best friend, Janice of West Haven, he is survived by his daughter, Melissa G. Melin-Miles and his grandson, William M. Miles, both of Wolcott. He also leaves his brothers, Thomas Melin and his wife, Suzanne of Milford, and David Melin and his wife, Dale of West Haven; his brother-in-law, Edward Wendland and his wife, Lucy of West Haven; his sister-in-law, Gayle Pannone, and her husband, Frank of West Haven; many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his loving pups, Cricket, Petie and Dale. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Melin; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Wendland; and his favorite pug, Gidget.

Friends may greet Billy’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 So. Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 on Saturday, February 12, 2022, from 10 AM until 12 PM. His funeral service will commence at 12PM. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joseph A. Pagliaro Sr. Family Fund at the Valley Community Foundation, 253A Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418 or by visiting https://www.valleyfoundation.org/articles/joseph-a-pagliaro-sr-family-fund. To leave online condolences or to share a story of “The Bat”, please visit www.fordfh.com