Horacio M. Melo

Ray was born in Danbury, Connecticut on March 27, 1973. His younger years were spent in Bethel, CT, where he attended and graduated from local schools. Ray, at a young age was preceded in death by his parents Horacio Melo and Lidia Machado, his loving grandmother Maria Machado and most recently his Uncle Izzy of Kitimat, B.C., Canada.

Ray leaves behind his wife Kristine and son Aiden, his brother Mariano Melo of Portugal, his Aunt and Uncle Margaret and Jerry Palanzo, who were his legal guardians, his closest cousins Alice and Jerry Palanzo III who Ray revered as his younger sister and brother and his nieces Nia and Teagan Palanzo. In addition Ray leaves behind a son Tyler and granddaughter Marley Rose of Texas, several aunts and uncles and many cousins in Connecticut, Canada and Portugal and many, many close friends.

Ray at a young age began a career in the construction business learning the key trades from some great mentors who believed in him. His background and entrepreneurial spirit led him to starting his own and very successful business “Picture Perfect contracting”. Ray was very involved and well known in his community. He loved sponsoring Aiden’s baseball team in New Fairfield, and along with Kristine could be found on the sidelines of Aiden’s baseball and ice hockey games.

Ray was an active member in AA for over twenty years. This wonderful organization was a great help to him. His “give back” was sponsoring, supporting and helping many young people to find their way back to the right track in life. His personal story and lectures got the attention and changed the lives of many wayward souls. Ray will remain in their hearts forever.

Ray had an amazing presence, never lost his sense of humor and would light up any room he entered. He loved and admired his family and showed his undying affection by his constant teasing. No one was spared! We all love him very much and Ray will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

In keeping with Ray’s wishes and restrictions resulting from the current pandemic, a private funeral mass for "Ray" will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 8 Robinson Ave., Danbury, CT 06810. Pastor Samuel Scott will officiate. Following the funeral mass, a burial (public) will be held at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave Extension, Danbury, CT 06810.

Arrangements are under the care of Green Funeral home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Ray by visiting Green Funeral Home’s website. In lieu of flowers memorials in Ray’s memory may be made to the Fellowship Center, 15 Great Pasture Road, Danbury CT, 06810.