James William Melillo

James “Jim” William Melillo, 77, dedicated and beloved husband for over 45 years to Catherine (McKone) Melillo, of Wethersfield, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 10, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. James was born on February 17, 1947 in Hartford to the late William Vito and Carmella Antoinette (Mittica) Melillo. He attended St. Patrick-St. Anthony School K-8, and graduated from Wethersfield High. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard of Connecticut from 1966-71. He was also a communicant of the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish.

Jim was a dedicated leader in the grocery industry, managing numerous supermarkets throughout the state. He genuinely enjoyed working with the community, and talking with each and every customer that came to his store.

In the fall of 1969, Jim met the love of his life, Catherine (McKone) Melillo, and they “eventually” married in 1978. More than anything, family was most important to him, creating memories and spending time with them truly fed his soul.

In addition to his beloved wife Catherine, Jim will also be deeply missed by his children; daughter Catherine Anne Osuna, son Robert (Margo) Melillo and son John (Stacey) Melillo, all of Wethersfield; grandchildren, Stacey Osuna (Joel Marrero), Ryan, Taylor and Paige Melillo, Zach, Jake and Madison Melillo and great-grandchildren, Joel, Juliana, Jordan and Jayce Marrero. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael and William Melillo and sister in-law, Paula Melillo, wife of brother Anthony Melillo, who passed away 2007. Finally, he leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as his morning coffee crew.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, May 15, from 4-7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Immediately following the Mass, outside of the church, military honors will be presented. At a later date, the family will privately have Jim laid to rest in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. To share a memory of Jim, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com