It is with great sorrow that the family of Edward G. Mello Jr. announce his passing on Monday March 27,2023. Ed lived his last three years at The Cottages of Dartmouth assisted living.
He was the widowed husband of Mary Lillian (Shea) Mello with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Edward G. Mello and Geneva (Sequeira) Mello and lived in New Bedford all his life.
He was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church
He was employed for 35 years with New England Telephone, later Verizon, until retirement in 1985. A member of the greatest generation, he served with distinction in the Army Air Corp during WW II as a flight engineer and turret gunner with the 466th Bomb Group out of Attlebridge England. He flew 16 missions on B-24's over France and Germany, dodging enemy fighters and the dreaded flak delivering their payload of bombs to their designated target. Later he served in the Air Force during the Korean War and the Air Force reserves until 1969. He retired from reserves as a Master Sergeant.
Ed was a long-time member of the Westport Yacht Club where he enjoyed sailing and lively Cribbage competition. He could also be found there performing his daily routine, swimming laps, come rain or shine. Ed was also known for his love of everything Notre Dame football. He had an extensive collection of VHS tapes of each game, appropriately labeled and cataloged, of course! Upon retirement Ed and Lillian would make their yearly pilgrimage to Treasure Island, FL as well as yearly trips to the British Isles.
Survivors include his daughter, Joan Mello of Chatham, MA; 3 sons, Edward G. Mello III and his wife Jeanette of Franklin, TN, Peter J Mello and his wife Pattie of Dartmouth, MA, and Christopher J. Mello and his wife Becky of Raynham, MA; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Jean Labelle.
Ed's wake will be held at Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park Park St., New Bedford on Monday, April 10th from 4-7 pm. The Funeral Mass, for both Ed and his wife Lillian will occur the following day, Tuesday, April 11th at 10 am at St. Julie Billiart Church on Slocum Rd. in Dartmouth. Following the Mass Ed and Lillian will be interred together at St. Mary's Cemetery.