Melvin “Mel” T. Gurney, 82, passed away as a result of a tragic car accident Sept. 16, 2023, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, with family by his side. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mel was raised in Taunton, Massachusetts and recently resided in Riverview, Florida. He was a longtime employee of the State of Massachusetts at the Paul A. Dever State School where he cared for his patients with kindness and compassion.
Mel was the son of the late Alton L. and Olive M. Gurney and the brother of the late Alton Gurney Jr. and Olive “Babe” Burgess.
Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Lynn Gurney; daughters Mary Lou Lamberto (husband David F. Lamberto), Oakland, Rhode Island, and Jannette Emond (husband Bruce “Butch” Emond), Taunton, Massachusetts; and son Thomas Johnson, Seattle, Washington; grandchildren, BelindaLee Gurney, Zachary Gurney, Aaron M. Lamberto, Owen D. Lamberto, Meghan M. Emond, Ryan J. Emond, and Dameonlee Gurney; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by siblings, Alice Splaine of Phoenix, Arizona, Charles Gurney of Ocala, Florida, Harold “Harry” Gurney of Phoenix and Lana-Sue Pinzon of Tinton Falls, with whom he remained very close throughout his life.
In addition to his family, he enjoyed showing his vast collection of treasures, entertaining people with his unique talent for playing the spoons, and wearing fun hats and shirts for every occasion. He was an avid fan of Elvis Presley, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. Mel was a beloved member of his community and was always willing to lend a helpful hand to those in need. His outgoing personality, big heart and bright smile will be missed by all who knew him.
This article originally appeared in the September 28 – October 4, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
