Angelo Mele

Dad was born in Fresno and lived here all of his life. He was the youngest of 14 children born to ArchAngelo and Elena Mele who had emigrated from Italy, where some of Dad's siblings were born. After serving during World War II, Dad married Mary Melfe on July 4, 1948, and was a devoted and loving husband for more than 63 years. He was a caring and involved father of four children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He retired after a career as a talented carpenter and spent the next 30 years enjoying retirement with Mom until her death.

Dad was a devout Catholic. During the early years, he and Mom were members of Our Lady of Victory Parish and the children attended school there. During their golden years, they were members of Holy Spirit Parish and could always be seen in "their" pew.

Though Dad worked hard, the family always had their yearly vacation to the coast, which almost always included Mom's parents, too. Having "retired" at 62, Dad had the opportunity to spend the next 30 plus years sharing his life and time with Mom. They did everything together. Though Mom took care of Dad during the working years, in their later years Dad was a doting husband and probably "spoiled" Mom until she passed. Though he was lost without Mom, he knew they would be together again.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents (his father dying when dad was only nine) and by all of his siblings except his sister, Helena, the second youngest, now 96.

He is also survived by his four children and their spouses, James J. Mele and his wife Debbie, Michael L. Mele and his wife Bonnie, Gerald A. Mele and his wife Jane, and Susan A. Erickson and her husband Sheldon. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Clovis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.