Visitation
Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services
1119 Washington Avenue
MONACA, PA 15061
Monday 11/16,
9:30 am
There was no one quite like Mel Larson in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. With his outgoing personality and contagious smile, he was a friend to all he encountered. A “Swede” through and through, Mel was a generous man and counted his family as his greatest blessing. In all he did,Continue Reading
There was no one quite like Mel Larson in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. With his outgoing personality and contagious smile, he was a friend to all he encountered. A “Swede” through and through, Mel was a generous man and counted his family as his greatest blessing. In all he did, he found no greater joy than spending time with them. Gone but never to be forgotten are the treasured memories he leaves behind.Mel’s story began during a time of economic prosperity as industry and the need for consumer goods rose. While Gershwin and Berlin dominated the music sector, men in their pan hats strolled along with swank and swagger and were quite a match for the belles of the infamous Roaring Twenties, the flapper. At the same time, Ellis Island closed its doors as an immigration entry point leaving behind numerous memories of promises for better tomorrows. Yet in the borough of Monaca, Pennsylvania along the Ohio River, nothing compared to the excitement experienced by Frank Oscar and Beda Caroline (Broman) Larson when on October 16, 1924, they celebrated the birth of their little boy, Melvin Oscar Larson.Born and raised in Monaca, Melvin’s parents were Swedish immigrants who taught their children the values of their heritage. Despite the struggles of the Great Depression during his youth, Melvin was raised alongside his brother, Carl, and experienced a childhood typical of his generation. Affectionately known to all as Mel, he attended the area schools before graduating from Monaca High School, and went on to further his education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls.Having proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II, Mel went to radio school in East St. Louis. One night while attending a USO dance, he took notice of a lovely young woman wearing a gay 90s outfit. Louise Garst instantly captured his attention, and heart. That fateful night was only the beginning of a wonderful and loving relationship they shared.When Mel was in the service, he had to get shots before shipping out. While standing in line, he felt more and more nervous, especially when a young soldier stepped out, fainted and fell flat on his face. When the next soldier came out, Mel asked him how it was. The man said it wasn’t too bad, but to watch out for the one with the hook! And when it came to Mel’s turn, he asked the soldier next in line to hold his new leather, Air Force jacket with Mel’s name on it. Mel proudly served during the war as a radio gunner in Central Burma and in the China Offensive. At the war’s end, he returned home to Louise’s waiting arms and they were soon married, spending 48 wonderful years together.Mel was employed as a lead burner at St. Joe Lead in Potter Township and later began his own business as a television repairman. He and Louise made their forever home at 1231 Eckert Road where they lovingly raised their five children, Linda, Rosemary, Tom, Carol, and Jim. Through the years they shared memorable times as a family. Ever dedicated and devoted, Mel was a loving husband and father to those entrusted to his care.With his love for bowling, Mel bowled four times a week, serving on various leagues over the years. He taught his children how to bowl, certain to show them his style. Using the fingers to get a good rotation on the ball, it ensured getting the hook right into the pocket for a strike . . . most often! Mel loved participating in bowling tournaments, although disappointed after doing so well on his home lanes, the condition of the tournament lanes weren’t the best, but he still had fun. Together they watched bowling on TV, gleaning great ideas from the pros.Mel taught his children how to drive, and a devoted Pirates fan, he and his sons enjoyed many of their games at Forbes Field which made for exciting times. Mel loved the Pirates, even during their bad seasons, and he also favored the Steelers. He was ecstatic when the Pirates won the 1960 World Series. Mel especially loved times when later he and his whole family, including his grandchildren, enjoyed games at Three Rivers Stadium and Heinz Field. He loved those times with family, and one year when he was asked if he’d be disappointed if the Pirates lost, Mel’s wife replied, “Oh, your dad’s seen everything by now!”When it came to his work, Mel was a very good TV repairman. One of his sons used to go on service calls with him, and this background inspired him to become an electrical engineer. Through the years Mel encountered a variety of challenging service calls, and sometimes going into people’s homes was less than pleasant. In the 1960s and 1970s, TVs were quite heavy and it was often a struggle to get them down into the basement so he could work on them. Eventually, Mel opened shop just down the hill from their home. He always walked to work, but one morning while running late he decided to drive. After working all day, he proceeded to walk home as usual, only to realize he left his car in the lot. He made several exhausting trips back and forth before remembering to retrieve his keys, and finally drove home.Known for his outgoing personality and adventure, Mel’s contagious smile brightened the gloomiest of days. Along with spending time with friends bowling, he also enjoyed golf, and was a life member of the Monaca Turners. In his fifties, Mel got the travel bug and shared this passion with his wife. When his daughter moved to Alaska, he and Louise traveled to see them on several occasions. They’d fly into Sitka, Alaska and together they’d take the ferry and truck camper to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Haines. In Fairbanks, Mel was amazed by the human engineering feat when he laid eyes on the brand new oil pipeline constructed there.Mel so enjoyed visiting his daughter and her family in Alaska. While in Seattle, they camped by tent, even through days of rain, a wet tent, and the many leeches attached to it. Another time, on a visit to Sitka where they hiked five miles in and out on a trail, Mel even carried a gun in case of bears. And although he wasn’t used to long, wet, muddy rainforest hikes, he was a good sport about carrying the grandkids on his back, and never once complained. Always generous and patient on these trips, Mel loved traveling with his daughter’s family, especially with his grandsons. He loved the adventures they shared together, and he traveled extensively with them throughout Alaska and the out west.Through the years, Mel enjoyed many friendships. He was a true Swede, loving everything Swedish! Mel liked testing people to see if they too were a “true Swede” by seeing if they could say 777 in Swedish. If they couldn’t pronounce it, they failed his test! “Pop” was one of Mel’s good friends, and they did everything together. They often visited the Atlantic City casinos, and sometimes even won. Pop was a big help to Mel when repairing the steep roof on their house. Mel loved to share, and called it “splitting it.” He and Pop would go to Wendy’s Restaurant, order one cheeseburger, one order of fries, and two coffees to split between them. Louise wasn’t so into sharing, and preferred having her own dinner, but Mel continued his sharing way. No matter what he ate, he cut it in half. He’d have half a banana for breakfast, half a doughnut for lunch, and finish the doughnut after dinner which gave him the chance to dunk it in his coffee, which was always just half a cup!After Mel’s beloved wife, Louise died in 1994, he experienced much sadness and loneliness. One day while making a repair call, he met Ruth Taylor. Recently widowed, she was very upset, and Mel invited her out for dinner. They remained the best of companions for the next 15 years. They traveled all over together, but their favorite destination was Las Vegas. They loved playing dice games together and Ruth seemed to always bring Mel luck. Even though Mel’s home became too spacious for him, he kept his house so his children and their families would have a place to stay when visiting. Each of his children always looked forward to “coming home” to the house that had so many lasting memories for them.With ways all his own, Mel was endearing towards many throughout his long and well lived life. Deeply missed, fond memories of this special man will remain in the hearts of those who knew him best.Melvin Oscar Larson, 91, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away early Thursday morning, November 12, 2015 at Friendship Ridge, Brighton Township. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death on December 30, 1994 by his beloved wife, Louise Garst Larson, and by his brother, Carl Albert Larson; a nephew, Carl “Butch” Larson and his longtime companion, Ruth Taylor. Melvin is survived by five children, Linda Howes of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Rosemary Myers of Anchorage, Alaska, Tom Larson of Pittsford, New York, Carol Suboleski of Winslow, New Jersey and Jim Larson of Merritt Island, Florida; 16 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two special nieces, Joyce Vild and Terri LaGamba and her daughter, Lori, with whom Mel resided in his last days.Friends will be received Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and Monday from 9:30 until the time of his service at 11:00 a.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Pastor John Watson will officiate. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Louise. Full military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit on Monday, 11:30 a.m. at the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Beaver County Special Unit, c/o American Legion Post 580, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 or to The Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To share a favorite memory of Mel, online condolences, directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.
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Claudia
left a message on November 16, 2015:
To the Suboleski Family, please accept my deepest sympathies at the loss of your father and grandfather. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Claudia
Kathy Kaiser
left a message on November 15, 2015:
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mel. I am Ruth Taylor's granddaughter and will always have wonderful memories of both of them laughing and enjoying each other's company. What a blessing he was I her life; he was such a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers that he will rest in peace.
Cynthia Olexa
left a message on November 15, 2015:
Mel was a wonderful man...and he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Love you Mel and the rest of my family.
Cynthia Olexa
left a message on November 15, 2015:
Mel was a wonderful man...and he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Love you Mel and the rest of my family. Cynthia
Mary Memhardt
left a message on November 15, 2015:
I'll always remember Uncle Mel as a very warm and friendly guy who always had a smile on his face and could always make you laugh. Whatever in was into he was into it 100%. He'll be missed.
Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.
Lisa McConnell Sylvester
left a message on November 15, 2015:
My sympathies to the family. I remember Mr. Larson as the "TV Repairman". He was a very nice man. May he rest in peace.
Allen Johnson
left a message on November 14, 2015:
Rose, my condolences. Allen
Carol Suboleski
left a message on November 13, 2015:
I will never forget my dad up on the roof of our three story house on a hot August day. He was reshingling the roof but never complained about the heat or the height. He said it was nothing compared to the 400 foot stack that he had to climb at St. Joe's. He was a full fledged member of the greatest generation.
Simpson Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Claudia
left a message on November 16, 2015:
To the Suboleski Family, please accept my deepest sympathies at the loss of your father and grandfather. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Claudia
Kathy Kaiser
left a message on November 15, 2015:
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mel. I am Ruth Taylor's granddaughter and will always have wonderful memories of both of them laughing and enjoying each other's company. What a blessing he was I her life; he was such a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers that he will rest in peace.
Cynthia Olexa
left a message on November 15, 2015:
Mel was a wonderful man...and he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Love you Mel and the rest of my family.
Cynthia Olexa
left a message on November 15, 2015:
Mel was a wonderful man...and he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now. Love you Mel and the rest of my family. Cynthia
Mary Memhardt
left a message on November 15, 2015:
I'll always remember Uncle Mel as a very warm and friendly guy who always had a smile on his face and could always make you laugh. Whatever in was into he was into it 100%. He'll be missed.
Planning ahead is prudent. Call us now.
Lisa McConnell Sylvester
left a message on November 15, 2015:
My sympathies to the family. I remember Mr. Larson as the "TV Repairman". He was a very nice man. May he rest in peace.
Allen Johnson
left a message on November 14, 2015:
Rose, my condolences. Allen
Carol Suboleski
left a message on November 13, 2015:
I will never forget my dad up on the roof of our three story house on a hot August day. He was reshingling the roof but never complained about the heat or the height. He said it was nothing compared to the 400 foot stack that he had to climb at St. Joe's. He was a full fledged member of the greatest generation.
Simpson Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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