Melvin John West, Jr.

Melvin John West, Jr. passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born March 10, 1936, and was a resident of Acushnet, MA. He was the devoted husband of the late Janet M. (Sorelle) West.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Melvin J. West, Sr. and the late Florence (Vera), West was a long time resident of Acushnet. Melvin was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and Northeastern University. After college he served his country proudly in the United States Army, stationed in Europe. After his discharge from the Army, he met the love of his life, Janet Sorelle. The Dancing then began. They started a family that included 2 daughters, Anne and Jeanne. They loved to travel and enjoy their family vacations. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Production Controller for 40 years for Rodney Metals.

Melvin loved all of his family dearly. He was a devoted husband, who was lucky to be married for 50 years to Janet. An understanding Father to Anne & Jeanne for 50 plus years, and an amazing grandfather to his 4 grandchildren. What a blessing to be able to live to 90 years old, and the people he touched in so many ways along the way.

He was an extremely talented artist. The lighthouses and landscapes he painted are incredible, for him being a self-taught artist. He won a few awards at the senior center competitions as well! Melvin enjoyed playing cards weekly with his loving brother and dear friends. He also had a breakfast group that he met with once a week and he would get his favorite breakfast item that day, a cinnamon-sugar bagel! He loved to travel with his children, loved to cook and tried out hundreds of dishes and restaurants across the south coast. He was the longtime treasurer of St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Francis Xavier Parish for over 30 years.

He is survived by his children Jeanne Cutrone and her husband Jeffrey, Anne Saulnier and her husband Kevin; his grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin, Emma and Eli; his brother, Richard West; and his brother and sister in-laws, Ann Borges and her husband Paul, Donald Sorelle and his wife Norma, Jackie Sorelle, and Paul Sorelle and his wife Patricia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Melvin's honor may be made to: St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 125 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743

Visitation is Tuesday 3/31 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745

Melvin's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743. Burial is at the Acushnet Cemetery following the Mass.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Century House, 107 S Main St, Acushnet, MA, for a repast reception following the burial.