Newburyport - William J. Melanson, age 61, of Newburyport, MA, died on 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. 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. 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.