Anthony Mele Jr. was born January 8, 1983 in Santa Barbara to Anthony and Rebecca Mele, and lived in Ventura County his entire life. He grew up the oldest of three siblings, Joseph, Jamii and Rebecca. Anthony played Little League, which his father coached, and later graduated from Nordhoff High School. In 2011, he married Hana Rubrecht, and on Christmas Day 2012 they had a daughter, Willow Rayne Mele.
Anthony will be remembered as a kind and devoted husband, father and son. He was a very engaged dad, more so than many, and always wanted to be part of whatever Hana and Willow were excited about. Anthony enjoyed finding new ways to spend time together with his wife and daughter, and just this year had bought an annual pass for Disneyland so they could take trips with Willow. Anthony was also creative and liked to sketch and work on projects with his daughter. He could also be goofy and always made Willow laugh, and she adored spending time with him. A doting and patient father, Anthony spent a great deal of time playing with Willow and her cousins.
Anthony liked going to the movies when he could and in the past enjoyed playing pool, and was very good at it. More than anything, he worked hard in a demanding job to provide for his wife and daughter and looked forward to coming home to spend time with them. Anthony was easy going and always willing to help with what needed to be done, a cheerful participant in many birthdays and holiday events. He passed away on Thursday evening, April 19, 2018 surrounded by his family at the young age of 35, and will be desperately missed by those who loved him.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held on Thursday April 26, 2018 from 3 to 6pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura. Funeral services will be private for family and close friends only.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.