Joel “Joey” Mello passed away on February 12, 2017 at the age of 56 following a brave and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 28, 1960 to John & Jean Mello of Taunton. Besides his parents, Joel is survived by his brother, James and his wife Beverly of Taunton, his brother Jeffrey of Wareham, his sister Jane LaPlante and her husband William of Rehoboth, and his twin brother Jerry of Jefferson, NH. Joel was the brother of the late John Mello of Crystal Beach, FL and his wife Melissa. Joel was also the beloved uncle of Andrew Mello, Jackson Mello and his wife Tammy, Jennifer Mello, Thomas Correia and his wife Trisha, David Correia, Anthony Mello, Mark LaPlante, Michael LaPlante and his wife Kathryn and Melissa LaPlante. He leaves behind his beloved niece, Amber and his grandniece Piper, and Lola Mello, all of Wareham. He was the uncle of the late Nina Mello, also of Wareham. Joel was also the great uncle of Hayley and Hannah Mello and Aiden and Nora LaPlante. Joey also leaves many close friends who will miss him dearly. An active sportsman, Joey participated in golf, bowling, bicycling and motor cross. He worked in the family business, Mello’s Garage, earning the respect and trust of customers and their families, most of whom became lifelong friends. A funeral home service will be held at the O’Keefe- Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 on Friday, February 17th at 11 am. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday from 4-7 pm. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Taunton. Donations in Joey’s memory may be made to the Taunton Animal Shelter, 821 West Water St., Taunton, MA 02780.