Dr. Owen C. Mellody

Born on July 29, 1933, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, he was the son of Eleanor Duffy Mellody and Owen E. Mellody. He attended Fairhaven High School before continuing his education at Palmer Chiropractic School in Davenport, Iowa. He later studied and practiced the Gonstead technique, which became an important part of his lifelong dedication to chiropractic care.

A highly respected chiropractor for more than 70 years, Doc dedicated his life to helping others. Throughout his career, he maintained offices in New Bedford and Fairhaven, Massachusetts, as well as Groveton, New Hampshire. He took tremendous pride in his work and found particular satisfaction in helping those who were initially skeptical of chiropractic care.

His passion for chiropractic extended far beyond his own practice. When he wasn't treating patients, he was often teaching, sharing his knowledge, and mentoring the next generation of chiropractors. Over the years, he took many young doctors under his wing, generously offering his time, experience, and guidance. His influence and dedication to his profession will continue through the many lives he touched, both as a practitioner and as a mentor.

Doc was a man of remarkable intelligence, endless curiosity, and an unmistakable sense of humor. He seemed to know something about just about everything and was never shy about sharing that knowledge. He loved a good conversation, a good story, and, of course, a good joke — although whether his jokes were actually funny was often up for debate!

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Doc had a tremendous love for life and an adventurous spirit. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying his airplane, sometimes making the trip to Long Island simply to have lunch. He treasured weekends spent aboard his boat, the Tota II, surrounded by family and friends, making memories on the water.

An avid antique car enthusiast, Doc loved working on his cars and, whenever he was able, taking them for a drive around the neighborhood. He appreciated the craftsmanship, history, and character of each vehicle and took great pleasure in keeping them running.

Doc was also a talented woodworker who spent countless hours in his workshop designing, building, and crafting beautiful pieces by hand. His family members each have at least one of his custom-made creations, lovingly gifted over the years. What were once thoughtful, handmade gifts have now become treasured keepsakes — lasting reminders of his creativity, patience, and the love he put into everything he made.

Of all the places he enjoyed, his favorite was his cabin in New Hampshire. It was a place where he could relax, enjoy his surroundings, and spend time doing the things he loved.

While Doc took great pride in his career and his many interests, his children were his greatest pride and joy. He loved talking about them, sharing their accomplishments, and telling anyone who would listen just how proud he was of them. His son, Andrew, held a particularly special place in his heart, and anyone who knew Doc knew how often he spoke of him with admiration. The bond they shared was one of tremendous love and mutual respect.

Owen was predeceased by his parents, Eleanor Duffy Mellody and Owen E. Mellody; his brother, Frank Patrick Mellody, who passed away in 1950 at the age of 14 from muscular dystrophy; and his former wife and mother of his children, Patricia Mellody.

He is survived by his son, Andrew Mellody, and his wife, Suzanne, and their son, Jack; his daughter, Wendi See, and her husband, Jeffery, and their daughters, Courtney Senra, Jillian See, and Emma See; his great-grandson, Nolan, son of Courtney; and his daughter, Ruth Fuller of Florida, and her daughter, Katie and family.

He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ruth Mellody Alves and Eleanor Ann Varnet, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends, many of whom he considered family.

Throughout his 93 years, Doc lived a full and remarkable life. He was a healer, a teacher, a mentor, a pilot, a car enthusiast, a craftsman, a storyteller, and above all, a proud father and grandfather. He had a genuine love for people and a passion for helping others that remained a defining part of who he was.

Whether you knew him as Dr. Mellody, Owen, or simply Doc, he was someone who left a lasting impression. His knowledge, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His legacy lives on not only through his family, but through the countless patients he helped, the doctors he mentored, the friendships he built, and the beautiful things he created with his own two hands.

The family welcomes those who knew Doc to share their memories and stories in celebration of a life well lived.

His visitation will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. His funeral service will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:00am in the funeral home. Burial in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Mattapoisett.

For online tributes, visit our website at www.waring-sullivan.com