Joseph Robert Melanson

Joseph Robert Melanson, age 73 of Murray, KY, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

He was born in Charlestown, MA, on November 10, 1952, to the late Joseph E. Melanson, and the late Agnes E. Sheehan Melanson.

Joseph is survived by wife, Stella Louise Stafford Franklin. Joseph married Stella on May 14, 2001, at Murray First United Pentecostal Church.

Joseph graduated from high school in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. He later moved to Paducah, Kentucky, in 2004, where he worked selling vacuum cleaners. In 2011, he moved to Murray, Kentucky, where he married his wife, Stella. Throughout his career, Joseph spent many years working as an independent insurance agent.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by three children, Bryan Melanson, Jillian Melanson, and Bobby Melanson; four siblings, Carol Calabresi, Mary Quinlan, Danny Melanson, and Thomas Melanson; one stepdaughter, Debra Zingale; and seven grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by three siblings, Frank Melanson, Elaigne Boufard, and Rosemary Melanson; and three stepsons, Ricky Jackson, John Jackson, and Lee Jackson.

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242, is handling the arrangements. His remains are to cremated with a memorial service to be held at Dresden Pentecostal Church at a later date.