George Daniel Mello

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Ann Marie McMahon, of Studio City, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Perry Mello, and Helen George.

Dan had a kind heart and deep love and empathy for animals. He was quick to offer help to all and was a fierce friend. Dan had a quick, dry wit that was often accompanied by a big smile and a twinkle in his eye. He spent many Christmas seasons dressed as Santa and visiting his wife’s schools spreading holiday cheer. His generosity and compassion made the season a little brighter. A knowledgeable history buff, he enjoyed watching television shows and documentaries on the subject. He had a running dialogue with family members on archaeological finds and controversies. Dan rewatched the "Die Hard" and "Jason Bourne" movies so often that he could quote portions of the script. He was an engaging conversationalist. There were no short phone calls or encounters with Dan. After moving to California in 2008, Dan was often on an ongoing quest to find a lobster roll comparable to those in New England. Alas, the only store that came close closed, so he often had New England delicacies shipped from their online store in Maine. Dan was an avid New England sports fan and enjoyed feeding the wildlife in his backyard. His declining health over the past few years was endured with dignity, courage, and a positive spirit.

Dan attended Bishop Stang High School and went on to study history at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University (SMU). Dan received U.S. Army Training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He served a total of thirteen years in the Army National Guard at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sargeant with Top Secret Security Clearance.

Throughout his varied career, Dan worked at Digital Equipment Corp., Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, Polaroid, and WorldCom as an Operations Manager. He was also an insurance agent for AFLAC and New York Life prior to moving to California. On the west coast, he worked as a security guard supervisor for Securitas.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his two sons, Josh (Fandy) of Hingham, Massachusetts, and Nate (Kendra) of North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a granddaughter, Bridgette Mello, and a grandson, Brooks Mello. Dan is also survived by his stepson, Michael T. Lifrak (Iris), and their sons, Ronan and Bodhi.

His beloved pets – His dogs Bailey (his constant companion) and Bonita, cats Murphy, Murray, and Charlotte will deeply feel his absence. Tommy the turtle and Danny and Annie the tortoises were also well cared for by Dan.

A special thank you goes to the unsung heroes tirelessly attending to Dan in the ICU at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Their compassion and efforts to restore him to good health will never be forgotten.

Services for Dan will be private, with a celebration of his life at a date to be determined.

Please consider honoring Dan with a donation to your local animal shelter in his memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyfuneralhomeburbank.com for the Mello family.