William J. Melanson

William J. Melanson, age 61, of Newburyport, MA, died August 4, 2026, at Anna Jaques Hospital.

Born in Newburyport, MA on July 27, 1965, he was the son of Pauline Alice (Blonda) Melanson and the late William Hugh Melanson. Bill was a graduate of Newburyport High School and held his AA in Business Management from Northern Essex Community College.

Bill had a life-long passion for music – learning, teaching, performing, playing, recording – if it was rhythmic and lyrical he loved it. He performed with regional rock bands over the years including Nu World, Cornerstone, Solstice, Rhythm Deep, Mofos, Cosmic Breeze, Low Murphy, Steelfingers, FC3 Band, and frequently sat in to perform with many other groups and fund-raising events. The former owner of North Star Music Center, where he built a lasting community around music and camaraderie, developed the music lesson programs hosting over 3,000 students, many of whom advanced into professional music careers. In recent years, he ventured into Lumber sales working with Hancock Lumber Company in Salisbury, MA. He lived his personal motto – Peace, Love, Music.

His true joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen (Drennen) Melanson; two daughters, Sierra Black and wife Alison Mandel of Somerville, MA and Arwen Gleason and husband Matthew of Boston, MA; six grandchildren, Rio, Serena, Caden, Toren, Sorcha and Phaedra; his uncle, Forrest “Sonny” Higgins and wife (D) Alice Blonda of Newburyport, MA; his aunt, Dani Melanson and husband (D) Robert Melanson of Seabrook, NH, as well as cousins: Karen Carbone, Sharon Higgins, Christopher Blonda, Scott Melanson, Robert Melanson, Stephen Melanson, Mark Melanson, William Blonda, along with many other loving family members.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill Melanson can be made to Victor Wooten Center for Music and Nature at www.vixcamps.com/donate to support the Dorothy G. Wooten Scholarship.