Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant Manuel C. Mello, Jr. died Wednesday, June 16, 2021 after 100 robust years of life. Manuel was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Gracia) Mello with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Manuel C. Mello and Maria José Amaral Rocha Mello, Manuel lived in Dartmouth, Martha’s Vineyard and the Azores. He was a communicant of St. Lawrence Martyr Church.
Following his military service, Manuel was a commercial decorator and artist for over thirty years. His expansive creativity and acumen in visual arts was expressed through his painting, and creative use of medium to support a variety of causes.
A renowned sports fan, Manuel followed the Red Sox and Patriots passionately. He often astounded friends with his ability to recount games and the performance of various players in granular detail over the course of decades. Manuel was an avid bowler and he excelled at the sport right into his nineties.
Among his many interests and passions was the love of politics. Manuel took a great interest in state and national politics. He worked tirelessly on the campaigns of several local elected officials. Manuel was a tireless and devoted campaigner particularly for his beloved son-in-law.
Manuel had an indomitable spirit, unshakable faith and great love for God, his family and country. His strength of character and courage sustained him through trials which would have broken lesser men. He lived a life of integrity. He was the very embodiment of the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi.
He is survived by his daughter Jo-Anne Mello Hodgson and her husband Thomas and his daughter Jane Pineau; two grandsons Nicholas J. Pineau and Benjamin A. Pineau; and a nephew Robert Patrick Mello.
His Funeral will be held on Monday June 21, 2021 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Martyr Church at 10 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday June 20 from 1-4 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Fall River Young Marines Association, 28 Hughes St., Fall River, MA 02724. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.