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Melvin Gerfin Jr.

GROTON, CONN.

GROTON, CONN. Melvin ''Mel'' Gerfin Jr., 46, of Groton, Conn., had been working as a janitor at New London radio station XL-102 for about half a year when they offered him a free ticket to the Feb. 20 Great White concert.

Gerfin, who loved NASCAR racing and was a Redskins fan, "was a handy man" in the neighborhood, said one neighbor. He also used his extensive knowledge of computers to help friends and family with their technical problems.

"He never got upset, never got angry," said the neighbor, who did not want to be identified. "He took care of his kids and his wife. He was a great father."

Gerfin married Deborah DeCosta in 1988, and became close with his wife's family, who all gathered at her house after hearing of the death. His three daughters, Meagan, Kelly, and Laura, were the great love and light in his life, according to friends and family.

Gerfin also leaves a grandson, Camron; his father, Melvin Sr., and his father's wife, Ann; and three sisters, Janet Rybicki of Groton, Conn., Joyce Adams of Kutztown, Pa., and Terry Roberts of West Melbourne, Fla.

A memorial service was held yesterday.

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