ESSEX: Richard L. “Dick” Mello, Retired Sergeant, Gloucester Police Department, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 8, 2013. He was the husband of Bette J. (Rose) Mello.
Born in Gloucester on February 21, 1935, he was the son of the late Raymond C. and Theresa P. (Wile) Mello. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1954.
A U.S. Army veteran, he served in Germany toward the end of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in September of 1957.
A member of the Gloucester Police Department, he was appointed reserve in 1961 and active in 1964. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in March of 1982, having retired in June of 1992. Dick was well-liked and respected. Those who knew him describe him as a “good guy” who lived by the Golden Rule.
An avid gardener, he loved spending time in his yard. Dick was also a great motorcycle enthusiast and he and Bette traveled extensively throughout the country and Canada. More recent trips involved cruising with family and friends. To his family, he was a wonderful husband and awesome father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife of fifty-four years, he is survived by his children, Bruce Mello, Craig Mello, husband of Susan, and Jeannine (Mello) Gomez, wife of Paul; two grandchildren, Katy and Nathan Mello; a brother, Raymond Mello; a sister-in-law, Carol Lord and brother-in-law, Russell Rose, husband of Judith; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Rita Manninen and Lorraine Mello.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his name or Cody’s (his beloved cat) to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.