Leslie H. "Les" "Ace" Melanson, 73, was called home on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center with his family by his side. Born in Springfield, son of the late Raymond and Doris (Morrison) Melanson, he was a lifelong resident and a 1959 graduate of Agawam High School, the first 4yr class at the school. Les, together with his wife Dale, are the owners of A-C-E Auto Body in Agawam, and towed for the Town of Agawam for the last 50 years. He loved helping people and there wasn't anything that was ever brought to the shop that he couldn't fix. Les was a master craftsman in both metal and wood and restored many cars, planes, boats, homes and buildings over his lifetime. He got his seaplane license on the CT River and attained his commercial instrument ratings. He loved flying his family to the Vineyard. A very active member of the Agawam Congregational Church, he held positions of deacon, trustee, and was one of the major restorers of the church's 1905 Emmons Howard pipe organ which he loved to play. As property chairman, he was the #1 go to guy to solve any church property problems. Les was a member of Westfield Aviation Museum, QB's, Elm-Belcher Lodge of Masons, the NRA and past president and member of Western Mass Aviation Assoc. He was also an Agawam Little League coach and umpire. He loved antique cars, especially his 1955 Ford Crown Victorias. He leaves his wife and best friend of fifty-three years, Dale (Peckham) Melanson, a son and his wife, Steven and Lisa Melanson of Agawam, three daughters and their husbands, Shelly and Amaro Gonçalves of East Longmeadow, Diane and Jon Gendron, Jody and Rick Seldomridge all of Agawam, four sisters, twelve grandchildren, Jonathan, Dirk and wife Amanda, Dan, Laken and husband Ron, Krysten, Brianna, Tory, Andrew, Ashley, Gavin, Payten, Kyley, three great-grandchildren, Emma, Riley, Will and several nephews and nieces. The funeral will be Saturday at 11am at the Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main Street. The burial will be in the spring. Calling hours at the AGAWAM CURRAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME, 745 Cooper Street will be Friday from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001.