W. Leigh Melvin

W. Leigh Melvin, 86, resident of Amherst, NH, died on May 2, 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. He was born in Baltimore, MD on July 15, 1929, a son of George H. and Gladys C. (Hart) Melvin. He was raised in Queens, NY and lived on Long Island for many years before moving to Amherst, NH 28 years ago. Leigh had been employed by Sperry Gyroscope Company in New York for more than 30 years. While living in New Hampshire, he served as Controller for Kollsman Instrument in Merrimack, and after retirement worked as a consultant with government-related contracts until very recently. He was a natural athlete and loved to participate in sports. In addition, he enjoyed sailing and sailed the Great South Bay on Long Island with his wife, Barbara. Leigh was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Suzanne. Family members include his wife of 49 years, Barbara (Moecking) Melvin of Amherst, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Leigh Ann and Jonathan Rosse of Amherst, NH; a son, Peter Melvin of Houston, TX; two grandchildren, Katie Rosse and Andrew Rosse, both of Amherst; and two nephews. At Leigh’s request, services will be private. Burial will be in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, LI, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com