Mel was 32 when he hired me as a 13 year old boy to work in his drug store in Natick, Mass.   Working with him for the next 7 years was the seminal experience of my youth, as I grew to know a taskmaster boss, mentor, father figure and ultimately life-long friend.   He taught a life lesson that courtesy and kindness pay dividends that vastly outsize earlier deeds.  I will miss him deeply.

Mel was a very special guy who accomplished so much! But his biggest accomplishment was marrying Martha!

My journey with Mel started as a partner with him in 1962. We had the closest relationship over the many years. We were partners and best friends. I could never have had a better partner or friend. He will be missed by me .

I'm so sorry Martha. Speaking to Mel on the few occasions I got to talk to him was inspirational. He was always so incredibly engaged in my life and career and never failed to leave me with a few pearls of his enormous wisdom.

May he rest in peace...