Melvin Samuel Lerman, a Portland, Maine native most recently living in Pembroke Pines, Florida, died after a long illness on February 4, 2022 at age 89. Born in Portland, Maine on September 28, 1932, Mel is survived by his loving sister Barbara (Lerman) Simensky of Biddeford, Maine and is predeceased by his parents, Eli and Celia Lerman of Portland, and six additional Lerman siblings: Sydney Lerman, Ruth Greenberg Feinberg, Elinor Feinstein, Max Lerman, Dorothy Weiss, Shirley Lodish, and Elaine Ferer. He was loved by his many nieces, nephews and cousins, and found joy working hard, helping others, and making music that made others happy.
Mel served honorably in the United States Navy and Marine Corps for two decades, including service during both the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
A Portland High School graduate (Salutatorian, class of 1950), Melvin was an accomplished musician best known for his participation as clarinetist in the Washington Redskins marching band, the Hallandale Florida Symphonic Pops Orchestra, and the Jack Mautino Big Band in Hollywood, Florida.
Continuing the spirit of helping others, Melvin was a devoted member of the Mahi Shriners and past president of the Hollywood Shrine Club, where he enjoyed all kinds of community service projects, including service as a “Road Runner” driver taking patients to and from Shriners Hospital appointments. He was a devoted friend and an animal lover, volunteering his time at Vanishing Species Wildlife in Pembroke Pines caring for exotic and endangered animals.
Melvin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A graveside service is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Beth El Memorial Park (1 Johnson Road, Portland, ME). In lieu of flowers or food, donations may be made in memory of Melvin Lerman to:
Congregation Etz Chaim (36 Bacon Street, Biddeford ME 04005);
Mahi Shriners Club (5526 NW 72nd Ave., Miami FL 33166)
or to Vanishing Species Wildlife (320 S Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027).