Albert Umbert Melli Jr.

of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Swarthmore, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 9th. He was 89 years old.Bert was the loving husband of Elizabeth Anne “Bets” (Slavin) Melli for 65 years. He was born in Philadelphia to the late Albert Umberto Melli, Sr & Anna Josephine (Corvi) Melli.

A modern day renaissance man, Bert graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys Class of 1950, the University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Science 1954), and the University Of Pennsylvania Dental School (1958), He served as a dentist with the US Navy for another four years. He established his own private dental practice in Swarthmore, PA, in 1960. Past patients remember Dr. Melli strumming a banjo while waiting for novocaine to take effect, dressing up with staff for Halloween, and his enthusiastic, conversational style that put them at ease in the dental chair.

Bert was incredibly social and active in the Delaware County Unitarian Church from the mid-1960’s through the early 2000’s. He had a lively, curious mind and was the force behind several activities and clubs, including a popular reader’s theater (emphasis on the works of George Bernard Shaw). He and wife Bets were involved in local theater, choirs, and even formed a jug band with musician friends that favored the stylings of Jim Kweskin and Tom Lehrer. Bert believed in creating community and enjoyed meeting with a wide range of friends from the church and his other interests throughout his life, whether participants shared the same politics or not.

In the mid-1990’s, he and Bets ran an antique book store. His love and boundless enthusiasm for books could not be understated: If you were a friend, relative, or even an acquaintance, you likely received a book (or five) that Bert felt was perfectly suited for your needs/interests. Besides his contributions to charities and willingness to give of his time to help others, this was one of his many endearing demonstrations of generosity.

Bert had a lifelong, avid interest in the arts. His paintings won awards in high school and he continued to pursue his interest in painting throughout his life. Bert had an excellent eye for well-crafted works, a fascination with Japanese design and an appreciation for functional, timeless, beautiful furnishings. He was also a patron of the arts and throughout his life, supported the work of countless Indie craftsmen.

Besides his wife, Bets, Bert is survived by his son, Albert Umbert Melli, III, of Clifton Heights, PA and his daughter, Lisa Melli Gillespie, her husband, Donald E. Gillespie of Boulder Colorado, and grandchildren Erin Gillespie and Avery Gillespie. Bert is also survived by his two siblings, Clementine “Tina” (Melli) Hammond, Richard Melli, Sr, and Richard's wife, sister-in-law Eleanor (Joyce) Melli, plus a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and dear friends that miss him terribly. Bert touched the hearts of many - his passing has left us gutted.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in Bert’s honor in late spring/early summer 2022.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to

Wounded Warriors Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or

Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/