PORTLAND – Melvin Aaron Fineberg, 85, passed away on Feb. 10, 2021, at The Cedars in Portland.

Born in Portland, Mel was the son of David and Esther Fineberg, brother to Abraham Fineberg and brother-in-law to Tama Fineberg, uncle to Lawrence Fineberg and Debra Fineberg Finn; brother to Jerry Fineberg and brother-in-law to Sandra Fineberg, uncle to Michelle Fineberg, Eric Levin, Gary and Iris Fineberg, and Adam Fineberg; brother-in-law to Gwen Fineberg; and companion to MaryAnn Champion.

Upon graduating from Portland High School, Mel attended Gorham State Teachers College, now known as the University of Southern Maine, and earned a master’s degree at Boston University. Mel also enlisted in the Naval Reserve.

Mel spent the next 40 years as “Mr. Fineberg” to thousands of kids, going through Portland’s elementary schools, most of them in the Munjoy Hill area. It was hard to not run into someone in the grocery store who recognized him from the “old days” as their 5th grade teacher.

Mel’s other love was the Maine Track Club. While not the fastest runner, he was certainly their biggest supporter. President for many years, he was always selling t-shirts, hats and other swag for the club. He was very proud of his autographed photos of Joan Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rogers. One of his fondest memories was when they roasted him on his 80th birthday.

Mel was a member of the Masons, Etz Chaim Synagogue, Temple Beth El, and B’nai Brith. Mel was always a big Red Sox fan.

There will be a graveside service at Temple Beth El Memorial Park, 1 Johnson Rd. Portland, on Feb. 14, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Officiated by Rabbi Carolyn Braun and Rabbi Gary Berenson. Arrangements entrusted to Portland Jewish Funeral Home.