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Melvin Boykin, 64, of Ellsworth Avenue, New Haven, passed away on March 17, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

Melvin was a 1974 graduate of North Haven High School, where he was a standout player on the basketball team. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching many sports and listening to the associated commentary from various talking heads.

Melvin did not adopt any new music genre but stuck to his old favorites of R&B and jazz. He especially enjoyed outdoor concerts on the New Haven Green and jazz festivals. Melvin was an amazing uncle to his nephew Brett and niece Taylor. He doted, supported, and praised them constantly, often boring his friends with drawn-out tales of any small accomplishment.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise Boykin of North Haven and Melvin Boykin of Georgia; his brother Richard Boykin of New Haven; and his sister Valerie Boykin of Philadelphia. In addition to his nephew Brett Boykin-Roach and niece Taylor Boykin-Roach, he is survived by his brother Mark Boykin and sister Darlyne Boykin and her husband Lincoln Roach. He is also survived by his longtime partner, Carla Perkins of California.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, March 25, in the Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. For his online obituary, please visit www.northhavenfuneral.com.