MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA - Melvin B. Crockett, 79, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Largo, FL passed away on Wednesday morning, October 20, 2021 following a 20-year battle with melanoma. Melvin was born in Manchester, CT and loved that he could tell people he was a lifelong resident of Manchester, although one Manchester was in CT and the other in MA. He was the loving husband of Judith Epstein, proud father of Kimberly Crockett and devoted grandfather of Linnea Comolli. He also leaves his stepson, Dan Press; stepdaughter Naomi Amaya and step-grandchildren Jacob Amaya, Gabriel Amaya, Chloe Amaya and Alana Pres Mel graduated from Cheney Technical school in Manchester, CT and was a machinist for almost fifty years. Upon retirement he spent summers in Manchester-by-the-Sea, and winters in Largo, FL. Once he moved to Manchester-by-the-Sea in the year 2000, Mel enjoyed everything this beautiful coastal town had to offer, from walks and picnics at the beach, happy hour with the neighbors, and being on the water in either his raft or aboard various sailing vessels and whale watching ships. He was also a proud member of the First Universalist Church of Essex, as well as of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater, which he attended when he was in FL. Whether in MA or FL Mel's favorite pastime was chatting with his diverse and devoted neighbors, who will sorely miss him. Although he had a small family his friends and neighbors more than filled that role, by always being there for him, especially in his waning days. His family is forever grateful for the kindness of these special friends and neighbors. ARRANGEMENTS: Everyone who was touched by the kind spirit of Mel is invited to his funeral service at Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Universalist Church of Essex, 59 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929. Information, directions, condolences at wwww.campbellfuneral.com.