On December 15, 2014, William A. Mello, 90, answered the call of the Lord God and went home with Him.
He was the husband of Rachel D. (Chicoine) Mello.
Born and raised in Taunton, he moved to New Bedford in 2000.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, attended Pharmacist School, did hospital training and soon found himself attached to the U.S. Marine Corps. With the VMF 224, he served in Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Roi-Nomur, Kwngalien Atoll and the Marshall Islands. Bill was proud of his rank as Pharmacist's Mate Second Class. He would often say "3 up, 1 down." Immediately following the end of World War II, he signed up with occupation, serving 13 months in China.
Returning home to Taunton, Bill married Jean Wrightington eventually finding his love for trucking. He soon joined the Teamsters. He served many years as vice president of Teamsters Local 653 Retirees.
He was an avid body builder who proudly held several world records for his age and weight class. He also enjoyed boating, music, oil painting and sports.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, son, and family.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Steven Mello and his wife Marilyn of Taunton; 3 step-daughters, Debra Sewell and her husband Rob of New Bedford, Lynne Cusson and her husband Dan and Katie Gonsalves and her husband Brian, all of Lakeville; a brother, Jack Mello of Bradenton, FL; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his late daughter Donna Veno.
His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 11 AM at the Calvary Pentecostal Church, 33 Braley Rd., East Freetown, MA 02717. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.