Jose S. DeMelo

FALL RIVER… Jose S. DeMelo, 96, of Fall River, passed away December 25, 2021, at home after many years of loving and devoted care from his wife, in Fall River.

He was the loving husband of Izaura (Rebello) DeMello and earlier in the week celebrated 68 years of marriage.

Jose was born in Sao Pedro De Nordestinho, Sao Miguel, Azores. He was a son of the late Manuel Soares DeMelo and Mariana Raposo de Sousa. He immigrated to the United States in 1954.

Mr. DeMelo was retired. He began life working beside his father and was always known as a very hard worker. He learned masonry, carpentry and many other trades early on in life and utilized those skills in refurbishing many homes. He was a parishioner of the Church of the Good Shepard and the former Our Lady of Angels. He enjoyed telling stories of his life experiences and talking and spending time with friends and family, He had the opportunity to help many others throughout his life. He enjoyed the occasional trip to Foxwoods with his wife and scratching a winning lottery ticket. His greatest desire and joy was in taking care of his children and grandchildren and see them gain a good education and grow to success.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his sons: David J. Mello (late wife Dorene) and Manuel S. Mello (wife Jennifer), both of Fall River, his sisters: Rodesia, and Isaura; his brother Leonildo; his grandchildren: Alison, Alex (Chelsea), Lesley (Jared), Andrew, Emily (Baxter), and Daniel; his great grandson Max; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Manuel, Antone, Gil, Mariano, Diniz, Ernesto and sisters Maria, Natalia, and Esmaria.

Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 8 AM from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St. Fall River, MA 02721, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 AM at Santo Christo Church, Columbia St., Fall River. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, from 5 – 7 PM.