Dominic J. “Fegi” Mele 91, of Franklin, died peacefully, Sunday April 9, 2017 at Milford Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor (DeGrazio) Mele, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.
Born January 13, 1926 in Milford a son of the late Philip and Lucy (Amollo) Mele, he was a resident of Franklin since 1948.
He was raised and educated in Milford, and worked for the former Crosby Valve & Gage Company in Wrentham. Following his retirement, he worked as a custodian for the Town of Franklin School Department at the Horace Mann School for over 20 years.
“Fegi” was a proud United States Navy Veteran; having served during World War II. He attained the rank of Coxswain and served aboard the USS Simpson and the NTS Sampson, he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Area Medal and was honorably discharged in February 1946.
Dominic loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed playing golf, gardening, and trips to Foxwoods.
He was a member of the morning coffee group at Café Sorrento in Milford, the Italian Vets of Milford and a former member of the Franklin Sacred Heart Council Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Dennis Mele and his wife Carla of Cincinnati, Ohio, Donna Federico and her husband Lenny of Mashpee, Linda Cheschi and her husband Louis of Milford, Lisa Petitt of Franklin, Robin Crowley and her husband Paul of Franklin, a brother Anthony Mele of Medway, sisters, Fannie Ackerman of Holliston, Mary Kevorkian of Milford, Anna Vozzella of Milford, Lucy Stanley of Uxbridge, Geraldine White of Milford.
Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren, Cynthia Bissanti, Krysta Mucciarone, Jennifer Mucciarone, Holly Kingkade, Heather Carlucci, Jeffrey Swahn, Darah Landwehr, Adam Mele, Kelsey Dreyer, Dawn Marie Fernandes, Erin Crowley and 18 great grandchildren.
He was the brother of the late Rose Pitasi, Nicholas Mela and Jessie Fagelson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Tues. April 18th at 8:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Square, Franklin at 9AM.
Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Monday Apr. 17th from 4-7PM.
Guestbook/directions www.oterifuneralhome.com
