Joseph (Joe)Melaas, age 55, of Woodbury died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, CT on Saturday, May 18 of lung cancer. He was born April 15, 1958 in Lawrence, Kansas to Bruce and Rosella Melaas. He is survived by two daughters, Mallorie Jane Melaas and Mikayla Jane Melaas and their mother, Margot Jane Danuluck Melaas all of Woodbury; his parents, Bruce and Rosella Melaas of Denton, Texas; sister Susan Melaas Crowell (Ron) of Flower Mound, Texas; brother David Paul Melaas (Angie) of McAllen, Texas; sister Patricia Melaas Hall (David) of Snellville, Georgia; 10 nieces and nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Ira J. and Edith Melaas and Harry and Helen Gjere, uncles Ira J. Melaas, Jr. and Ray Martin, aunt Betty C. Melaas, and cousins Deborah K. Melaas and Rev. Barbra Melaas-Swanson.
Joe was one of the most dedicated, loving and giving people who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Joe had passion for hunting and fishing and all things mechanical. His family moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1974 and he graduated from Ridgefield High School. Joe attended Waterbury State Technical College and pursued a career in heating, cooling and mechanical contracting. Joe was the owner of J&M Mechanical Services, LLC. Joe, above all, loved his girls but he also loved the beach, country music and his pick-up truck and will be remembered as a loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend.
A private graveside service and burial will follow at the Old North Cemetery.

Memorials: Memorial donations may be made to The Harold Leever Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Visitation: Calling hours will be on Saturday, June 1 from 1: 00 p.m. - 3: 00 p.m. at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St., Woodbury, CT.