Obituary of Raymond Mello

Raymond R. Mello, passed away at the Nashoba Valley Medical Center, on Thursday afternoon, July 14, 2016. The beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Ricci) who passed away in 2003, he had just celebrated his 84th birthday on July 9th. Ray was born in the family home in Cambridge. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late Manuel and Mary Mello. Ray was a graduate of Cambridge Latin High School. After high school he worked briefly at Gorin’s Department store before enlisting in the United States Navy. Ray was proud of his military service having served in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1956 achieving the rank of Seaman First Class. After completing boot camp, Raymond was selected to serve in Special Services on the Navy's Basketball team due to his athleticism and high school basketball experience. Ray traveled around the country playing basketball while representing the Navy. After his tour in Special Services ended, Ray was assigned to the newly built USS Neosho, AO-143. Raymond served the remainder of his Naval service aboard the Neosho where he visited many ports throughout Europe. Raymond was awarded the National Defense Service Medal in addition to the Navy Occupation Service Medal (E) Europe Clasp. He was supremely proud to be a military Veteran, regaled his children with his Navy stories and would often be seen sporting his favorite Navy hat. After the war, Ray took business courses at Northeastern before returning to a career in Retail working at Gorin’s which would eventually become Almy’s. He had a long career working at these retail establishments ending his career as a Buyer. It was while working at Gorin’s in Watertown that he would meet a fellow employee Patricia Ricci. They would marry in June of 1959 and move to Burlington in 1964 where they would raise their six children. Ray’s life was all about his wife and his children. Ray and Pat had a wonderful marriage. He was a devoted husband and father. Ray was very involved in all his children’s activities. As a young adult and through his years in the Navy Ray participated in all different types of sports activities. He shared his enjoyment of sports with his children coaching them in baseball, basketball and softball and attending all of their games. After having four sons Ray and Pat were blessed to see the birth of their twin daughters Patricia and Pamela. All six of their children brought Ray great pride and joy. He was a supportive Dad who encouraged his children throughout their lives. Ray was so very proud to see his six children achieve their goals both personally and professionally and continue the Mello family legacy with the birth of 16 grandchildren. Ray will be remembered as a wonderful caring man who leaves a legacy of faith, love and family. Ray was the beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Ricci). He was the loving father of Raymond & his girlfriend Amy Corcoran of Nashua, NH, Robert & his wife Beth of Reading, Ron & his wife Jennifer of St. Augustine, FL, Rich & his wife Stacey of Hartland, VT, Patricia Serpone & her husband Matt of Chelmsford and Pamela Reid & her husband Kynan of Chelmsford. Proud “Papa” of Kaitlyn Kreamer, Nicholas, Samantha, Allison, Carly, Ryan, Alexa, Ashley, Jimmy & Danny Mello; Caden, Sienna, & Amelya Serpone and Collin, Gavin & Colton Reid. Brother of the late Alfred, Frank, Edward & Elvita Mello, Mary Hite and Theresa Ring. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Tuesday, July 19 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Memorials in Ray’s name may be made to D’Youville Life & Wellness Community, Attn: Activities Foundation, 981 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854.