John S. Mello

John attended grade school at Union School, where he graduated in a class of three boys and one girl. He then attended Visalia Union High School, graduating in 1947. John worked on the family farm until 1950 when he was inducted into the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Corporal during service in Korea.

While overseas, he proposed via letter to his sweetheart back home, Barbara Lee Olivera. They celebrated 62 years of marriage last fall. John continued farming with his father and brother, Leslie, retiring in 1991.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Lynnette Pendleton (Carl) and Diane Perez; grandson, Alex Perez; brother, Leslie Mello (Beverly); a niece, two nephews and many cousins.

John enjoyed spending time with his family and life on the farm. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Visalia, member of the Pentecostal Park Association of Visalia (PPAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars and remained in contact with members of his former army unit, the 92nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion "Red Devils".

A Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2015 from 4 - 8 pm with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel. A Mass will be held at 10 am on Monday, August 10, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church St., Visalia, CA.

Donations may be made to the charity of choice in John's name.