Melvin A. Pachico died unexpectedly on Dec. 4. He was 80.

He born on Jan. 23, 1937, in Vineyard Haven to Frank A. and Gladys (Brooks) Pachico.

Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Army at aged 18 in 1955, returning to the Vineyard after his tour of duty in the states at the Boston Missile Defense site.

He was happiest when working. His many professions included working as a chef at Home Port Restaurant for owners Chester Stearns and Chet Cummens; an apprentice embalmer at Sylvia Funeral Home; a landscaper for Allen Gelinas and then operated his own landscaping and caretaking business for over 35 years. He was a jack of all trades, painting and acquiring his contractor’s license. He, along with his brother Donald, replaced many an Island roof. He retired in 2002.

Melvin enjoyed children and was known to tease a few. He was known for his chocolate chip cookies. Some pictures of his cookies often appeared on Facebook, as they were so large.

He was a member of the Holy Ghost Association. Winters were spent with his wife, Judith in Port Richey, Fla.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Frank A Pachico Jr. and wife Catherine, his sisters Lillian Burovac and Susan Jackson, his brothers in law Phil Dube, Timothy Fullin and Arthur Metell and two nieces and one nephew. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith Marchant Pachico; his two daughters, Janet Sylvia and her husband Timothy and Kimberly Serpa and her husband Eric, all of West Tisbury; and five grandchildren, Brandyn Sylvia, Brianna Sylvia Olender and her husband Bill, Zachary Sylvia, Caitlin and Christopher Serpa; a great-granddaughter Alyssa Sylvia. Also surviving him are his sisters, Sylvia Metell and Linda Fullin; his brother Donald Pachico and his wife Judy, brother in law Peter Jackson, sister in law Elaine Ciancio and her husband Mike and many nieces and nephews.

As he wished, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at the PA club in Oak Bluffs on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Holy Ghost Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2203, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.