Antonio (Tony) Edward Mele passed away peacefully during the early morning hours on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, succumbing to the onslaught of aging.
Tony was born on March 15, 1927 the third of eight children born to Salvatore and Rosina Mele. Family and his catholic faith were the most important aspects of his life.
Tony grew up during the lean years following the Depression, forging his character. He worked hard, lived frugally and always gave lavishly to those in need. Tony touched the lives of many, many people with his kind, gentle spirit and warm smile. He was never angry and always quick to forgive. He endured all life threw at him with dignity and grace. It has been written that when you learn to love hell you will be in heaven. Tony has always been in heaven.
Tony is survived by his sons: Ron, Kevin; daughter-in-law Linda; grandchildren: Savannah, P.J., Camille; great-grandson Asher (born six days prior to his passing); brother Lou; sister Rose Odette; many nieces and nephews; adolescent sweetheart Joyce Wincek, who he reunited with after the passing of his wife Lillian Vieta; Joyce’s daughter Paulette Ellis; and many other members of Joyce’s family he treated as his own.Although slight in stature, he was nevertheless a giant of a man. He is and always will be missed. The Visitation will be from 5-8:00 pm Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel, 7900 E Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207. The Funeral will be Friday, August 17, 2018 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1244 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206.
Hi Ron,
Sorry to read about the passing of your dad. I remember him well from our baseball days, hanging around the bleachers with the other dads, frequently smiling even though we lost a lot of games at first. He was a good guy. Hope you’re well otherwise. Your name comes up periodically in conversations with other people from our Judge era, often at the reunion party we have annually at the home of Paul Hanson. It’s for multiple classes of the 1970s, with Icarus folks and others playing music (really well still) and it’s a blast. You ought to come up for it some year. First Saturday in August. If you ever want to get in touch, drop me a line at [email protected] or call me at 801-673-0144. Take care, old friend. Mike