William E. Mello

William E. Mello, 92, of Middlefield Twp, OH, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, July 11th, 2026 at UH-Geauga Medical Center. He was born in Fall River, MA on April 23rd, 1934 to the late James and Mary (Fitzgerald) Mello. William is once again reunited with his loving wife of 69 years, Leona Mae (Ash) Mello, who passed away February 6th, 2026.

William served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After serving in the Navy, he and Leona moved to Middlefield. William worked for many years in the local factories, including Johnson Rubber Company and Mercury Plastics. He was an athlete- running marathons, golfing, playing racquetball and tennis. He loved his family and this love was returned to him.

William will be greatly missed by: his daughter, Diana (Robert) Tripi; son, Bill Mello Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher (Eunicee) Tripi and Nicholas (Bekah) Tripi; great-grandchildren, Leona Monet Tripi, Olivia Rose Tripi, Julia Hazel Tripi; sisters, Nancy (Stanley) Huss, Linda Pontes; brother-in-law, Frank Ash; sister-in-law, Carolyn Ash; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Leona; siblings, James and wife, Josie Mello, Robert Mello, Rita and husband, Robert, Campbell, Gerald Mello, Marlene Mello; brothers-in-law, Robert Pontes, Leon and wife Hazel Ash, Ken and wife Carol Ash, Max and wife, Joann Ash, Ed Ash; and sister-in-law, Carol Ann Ash.

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 PM, Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM, THURSDAY, JULY 16TH, 2026 AT THE FUNERAL HOME. William’s final resting place will be in Overlook Cemetery, Parkman, OH. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in William’s memory to the Geauga County Veterans Food Pantry, 13211 Aquilla Rd., Ste. B, Chardon, OH 44024. 

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