Melvin DeBettencourt Ran Corner Store in Oak Bluffs

Melvin C. DeBettencourt of Oak Bluffs died Sunday, Sept. 3, at Martha's Vineyard Community Hospital. He was 67.

Melvin was born on Oct. 10, 1938, to John and Marion (Pachico) DeBettencourt. He was a graduate of Oak Bluffs High School in 1956. He was accepted at Stonehill College for the Class of 1960, but accepted a full-time position with the Steamship Authority instead. He retired from his position as assistant agent in 1973 and began operating The Corner Store, and continued to do so for the next 33 years.

Melvin enjoyed being a fixture in the Oak Bluffs business community and looked forward to greeting new Island visitors as well as old friends with a smile at the beginning of each season. He was an avid reader and in recent years spent more of his winters on the beach in Hollywood, Fla. Melvin enjoyed many simple pleasures in life. He was an unassuming gentleman, but when it came to others he always extended every courtesy and lent an ear or words of wisdom. Melvin was a kind and generous friend to many whether he was on the beach in Florida or sitting on a bench outside of the Corner Store.

Melvin was involved in many organizations as well. He was a long-time member and past secretary of the Martha's Vineyard NAACP. He was a member of the boards of directors of both the Martha's Vineyard Cooperative Bank and Edgartown National Bank. Although busy he still found time to be active in the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

He was the loving father of Jennifer, Jason and Luke; adored father in law of James Padre, Corrin Pierson DeBettencourt and Danielle Weiss DeBettencourt; loving grandfather of seven grandchildren, Jordan Clark, Jessica, Kayla, Noah and Amanda Padre, and Anna and Maya DeBettencourt, as well as beloved brother to John A. DeBettencourt Jr. (deceased), Violet M. Rego (deceased), Ruth Metell, Richard DeBettencourt, Geraldyn DeBettencourt, Gaynell Downs and Brenda Frederick; and beloved brother in law to Lois DeBettencourt, James S. Rego Jr. (deceased), Fred Metell (deceased), Vivian DeBettencourt and Charles E. Downs. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.

His funeral was held Thursday, Sept. 7, with a Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs. Interment was at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oak Bluffs.

Memorial donations may be made to the Vineyard House, P.O. Box 4459, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.