Jack N. Meltzer, MD

He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Joanne Meltzer; his daughter Judy Goldman (Josh) and son Marc Meltzer (Amy); stepsons Michael (Katrina) and Tony (Miranda); stepdaughter Maria Lees; and grandchildren Jeremy, Jessica, Yosef, Rachel, Shoshana, Spencer, Kenna, Peter, Adeline, Nathaniel, Henry, Charlie, and Sophia. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Katz. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son—an energetic and vibrant presence, a dedicated physician, and a role model for living life fully and with purpose.

Jack was born on February 4, 1936, to Rose and Joseph Meltzer and raised in Bangor, Maine. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954, the University of Maine at Orono, and Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and a fellowship in cardiology at University Hospital in Boston.

Upon completing his medical training, Jack wanted to return to Bangor to practice medicine in his hometown and raise a family. Board-certified in internal medicine, and a leader in the medical community, Dr. Meltzer developed and operated Bangor’s first coronary intensive care unit for 18 years. He served as Chief of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology, President of the Medical Staff, and President of the Bangor Medical Society. Known for bringing the latest medical advances to Maine, he was deeply respected and beloved by his patients for his bravery, dedication and care. Jack was a member of Congregation Beth Abraham in Bangor.

Jack served in the Maine Air National Guard for 21 years, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After relocating to Massachusetts in 1986, Dr. Meltzer opened a practice in Danvers and spent the next 33 years on staff with the Harvard Medical Association and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Peabody. He was a mentor to many and greatly respected by his colleagues for his experience and wisdom. He retired from medicine at age 83.

In 2000, Jack married JoAnne Martel, with whom he shared more than twenty-five years of love, companionship, and adventure, on land and sea, surrounded by family and many of their grandchildren.

Jack’s happiest hours were spent on the water. He enjoyed decades of boating from Marblehead Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Northeast Harbor in Maine, as well as time cruising the Caribbean with dear friends. He was a member of the Penobscot Power Squadron and the Boston Yacht Club. Whether sailing, cruising, or resting at anchor, he felt most at home on his boat. He also loved nautical art, model ships, and oil painting. Jack lived life at full speed—skiing mountains, driving his signature sports cars, and inspiring everyone around him to pursue life with energy and enthusiasm. He will be deeply loved and forever missed.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, Salem, Massachusetts, with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Peabody. A shiva gathering will be held after the burial at the Jack Meltzer home in Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to the Marblehead Council on Aging.