Melvin E. Fixman, also known as “Mel” or “Max,” of Massachusetts, age 81, died on April 30, 2026. Born July 29, 1944, he was the son of the late Philip and Rose (Friedman) Fixman. Raised in Bedford, New Hampshire, he attended Keene State College before moving to Massachusetts, where he lived in various towns throughout his life. Mel lived life on his own terms and held many roles over the years, including teaching history, driving a cab, and working in restaurants. In his younger years, he was proud to have taught so many people how to drive. Later in life, he became the unofficial “mayor” of the nursing home where he resided, forming friendships easily and staying active in the community around him. He had a dry sense of humor and was often a man of few words, but he listened closely and cared deeply. He was a voracious reader, a lover of animals, and a devoted fan of WWE wrestling. Some of his happiest times were spent at family holiday gatherings, being around his friends, and, toward the end of his life, enjoying weekly dinners with Bek and Jared. Mel was known for his big heart and quiet generosity—he would give a stranger the shirt off his back without a second thought.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Louise Fixman, and his granddaughter, Jada Fixman, both of Loughborough, UK; his nieces, TaraRose Macuch and her wife Eliza Hook of Austin, TX, and Rebecca Maloney and her husband Jared of Plymouth, MA; and dear friends who were like family, Dennis and Judi Saide and their family of Hull, MA, and William Bradley of Austin, TX. He was predeceased by his son, Tyler “Artie” Fixman of Loughborough, UK; his sister, Lois (Fixman) Robinson-Macuch and her husband, Michael Macuch, of Carver, MA; his second mother, Claire Bradley of Plymouth; and his best friend and cousin, Barry Gurman of Easton, MA. Mel, or “Unky” as he was lovingly called, will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 6th from 5–6 PM at Shepherd’s Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Carver. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Graveside services will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations in Mel’s memory may be made to a local animal shelter or the American Diabetes Association