East Haven mourns the loss of town treasure

East Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Dr. Mel was truly a Connecticut treasure. He lived along the shoreline, and one could say he belonged to East Haven.

Most folks at the East Haven senior center never met Dr. Mel, but feel they knew him from years of watching his forecasts

"He had such a longevity," said Grace Bissonette, "we just figured he was going to be with us forever."

When asked what they remember most, these loyal viewers say Dr. Mel's energy, down right glee during winter storms.

"When the storms were coming, we're going 'oh no a storm is coming' and we'd watch Dr. Mel," said Francis Aceto. "And he'd be like the winds are going to be and he would get all excited. And we'd say look at him, he is so excited and that would make you feel better about the storm."

Over at the fire house, Dr. Mel personally gave them the forecasts, so they could prepare and be ready to respond.

"He was a good neighbor, a good friend, a pretty good guy in neighborhood," said Chief Doug Jackson.

Then there are those like Ralph Vuolo, who grew up watching Dr. Mel, and loved those snow day forecasts.

"A lot of times, he was out in the middle of everything, instead of being in the studio. So as kids we liked that a lot," Vuolo said,

Dr. Mel's popularity crossed generations.

Now it's not his accurate forecasts folks recall, rather his fight, his determination.     

"The takeaway is his inspiration," said Theresa Ryan, "that's going to be our takeaway."  

"When he came on with that smile, it was like 'oh my god,'" said Aceto. "It was like seeing your friend."