Melvin Libby 89, a lifelong resident of Abington, died Tuesday, Dec. 20 surrounded by his loving family after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth C. (Calderara) Libby.

Born and raised in Abington he was the son of the late Herbert and Elsena (Cobbett) Libby and a graduate of Abington High, Class of 1942.

Melvin was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army with the 27^th Division Company I, 106 Infantry Regiment in Oahu, Saipan, and Okinawa.  Wounded in Okinawa Melvin was the recipient of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, among other honors. He was a long time member of the Abington Old Town VFW Post 5737.

As a resident of Abington, Melvin was an active member of the community serving several years as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and was a primary organizer for the Abington Little League.  He was a member of the United Church of Christ where he served as an Elder Deacon, and an active participant of the South Shore Habitat for Humanity.

Before his retirement in 1981 he was a friendly and familiar face for over 33 years working as postal clerk for the North Abington Post Office.

He leaves his children Robert Libby of Auburndale, James Libby of North Carolina, Kenneth Libby of Whitman, Marjorie Libby of Abington, and Cynthia Libby of Abington, his brothers Herbert Libby of Abington and Donald Libby of Whitman, and his sister Mildred Boudreau of Maine.  He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late Kendra (Libby) Coburn.

Visiting hours will be held from 3-7 p..m.Wednesday, Dec. 28 in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel (Route 58 at the rotary) Whitman.

In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to the Kendra Diane Libby Coburn Scholarship Fund, Box 2025, Abington, MA 02351 or to Hospice of the South Shore, Box 859060, Braintree, MA 02185.