ROCKPORT – Melvin A. Vinal, 76, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003. He was born in Rockland, Sept. 8, 1927, the son of William L. and Beulah M. Fowlie Vinal. He attended schools in Rockland. During World War II, Mr. Vinal served in both the Army and Navy. Continuing his military service, he joined the National Guard, serving his country during the Korean War. In 1957, Mr. Vinal built his own home in Rockville. He retired after 38 years as a cable splicer with Nynex. A life member of the Knox County Fish and Game Association, Mr. Vinal was also a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks No. 1008. He enjoyed volunteering at the Elks Beano games. Mr. Vinal is survived by his wife of 47 years, G. Lucy Vinal; one daughter, Cheryl Smith and her husband, Robert, of Rockville; one son, Daryl Vinal and his wife, Brenda, of Appleton; two brothers, William Vinal and his wife, Leola, of Union, Adelbert Vinal and his wife, Barbara, of Rockland; one sister, Melvenia Foster and her husband Alton of Thomaston; sister-in-law, Marilyn Vinal of Camden; three grandchildren, Shane Smith of Portland, Christopher Vinal of Appleton, and Brandon Vinal of Appleton as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Wallace Vinal. An informal gathering of friends and family will be held from 6-8 p.m. next Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. Interment will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Make-A-Wish Foundation, 87 Elm St., Suite 206, Camden, ME 04843; the Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841; or Camden/Rockport Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856.
MELVIN A. VINAL
