Melvin Richard Thibeault, 83, of East Windsor, beloved husband of 62 years to Angela (Dufour) Thibeault, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 6, 2023. He was born in Fort Kent, ME on April 1, 1939, son of the late Camille and Theresa (Plourde) Thibeault. Mel’s family moved from Maine to Hartford, CT in the early 1940’s. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until 1959. Soon after he returned, Mel met Angie at the French Club in New Britain, CT where they discovered they were from neighboring towns in northern Maine. Mel spent over 50 years as a master steamfitter in the commercial construction industry. He was a member of the Moose Club of Thompsonville, where he held the distinction of being the longest serving member for 51 years until his passing. He was often consulted on projects for the club, and happily contributed his expertise. Mel was also a member of the Governor’s Foot Guard, the Elks Club and the American Legion. He had many other interests including convertible sports cars, golf, and his four grandchildren, Kate & Tyler Basile and Olivia & Emma Bagatelle. When their daughters were young, the family spent many summers camping in their Shasta trailer along the entire East Coast. Mel and Angie were lucky enough to travel to many destinations including the Caribbean, Europe, the US, and Canadian National Parks, and one of their favorite trips, a cruise through Panama Canal.
In addition to his adoring wife Angie, Mel is survived by his daughters, Sharon Bagatelle of Wilmington, NC, Bonnie Thibeault of Enfield, and Lori Thibeault of South Windsor. He also leaves his sister Sandra Michaud, her husband Carroll of Plainville, brother Gary Thibeault and his wife Ellen of Newington as well his sister-in-law Mary Lou Thibeault of Rocky Hill, brother-in-law John Keithan of South Carolina and the entire Dufour family as well as so many cherished neighbors and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Roy and his sister, Rena “Kitty” Keithan.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Mel on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2 pm at St. Jeanne Jugan Parish at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd, Enfield, CT followed by a celebration of Mel’s life at the Moose Club at 124 South Rd, Enfield, CT. Please come say hello and share a story. Burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mel’s memory to Masonicare Hospice at The Masonic Charity Foundation of CT, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492-7001, for the exceptional care provided to him over the last 3 months or the Mooseheart Child City & School Inc. at 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539-1100. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com