Acton's Kevin Melia, 'Self-Made Man' Born in Ireland, Dies at 67

The following obituary is from Acton Funeral Home:

Kevin C. Melia, 67, of Acton, MA, a native of Ashford, County Wicklow, Ireland, died Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at the Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA after a very brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Ann Marie (Lally) Melia.

Mr. Melia is remembered by his family as a self-made man, gifted in mathematics, who at the age of 21 was the youngest person in Ireland and England to achieve his accounting competency. Formerly employed by Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard, MA., and currently a consultant in the high tech industry, he had been previously named Entrepreneur of the Year. He was an avid runner who completed several marathons, including the Boston Marathon. The close knit family lived in Acton for 13 years, then moved to California for 5 years before returning to settle in Acton 20 years ago. They especially enjoyed many trips to Ireland to spend time with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their four children: Careena Melia of NY, June Melia of Stow, MA., Sean Melia of Boston and Ryan Melia of NY. He was the beloved “Poppy” to grandson, Graeme Dunworth. Mr. Melia was the son of the late Richard and Mary (Doyle) Melia, and had 5 brothers and 5 sisters, many of whom have predeceased him. He is also survived by a large extended family in Ireland.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, June 20th from 5:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 21st at 9:00am in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington Street, Acton, with burial following in Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Road, Acton Center. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial gifts to Emerson Healthcare Foundation-Bethke Cancer Center, Attn Development Office, 133 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742.