Rebel Piney Manuel Mello

Rebel Manuel Mello, nicknamed “Piney”, 87, of New Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 after a period of declining health. He was the son of the late Joseph and Virginia Mello and the brother of the late Arthur Mello and Mary Calheta.

He was born and raised in New Bedford and attended Kinyon Campbell Business School. He was very proud of the fact that he served in the US Army from1942-1945. As a member of the 248th Engineer Battalion, he served in four military campaigns including the battle of Normandy and earned several decorations and citations including The Good Conduct Medal, The Victory Medal and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. As a business entrepreneur, he was the owner of New Bedford’s first professional football team, The New Bedford Sweepers, and owner of several HP Hood & Sons route franchises.

Mr. Mello was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth. In his younger days, he enjoyed lawnscaping and winter travel to Florida. He was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Irene A. Mello of New Bedford; his daughter, Maxine Mello of New Bedford; two sons, Wayne S. Mello and his wife Elizabeth of Hingham and Gary L. Mello and his companion Cheryl Robinson of South Dartmouth; five grandchildren, Marguerite Mello of Venice, CA, Hunter and Griffin Mello of Boynton Beach, FL, Chase and Hannah Mello of Hingham, MA; his former daughter-in-law, Patricia Lewis of Sandwich; a brother, Albert Mello of Sykesville, MD; and four nieces.

In accordance with his wishes, visiting hours are omitted. His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11AM in St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth St. in South Dartmouth. Burial will be private. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com

The family would like to thank the entire Huttleston Unit team at Alden Court for their compassion and quality of care- may each of you live well and laugh often.