Obituary of Michael E. Melli

Michael E. Melli, Sr., age 83, of Stratford passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 59 years of the late Gloria Stolfi Melli. Born in Bridgeport on September 4, 1931, he was a son of the late Raffaele and Julia Auria Melli. A proud member of the Army National Guard having served honorably over 20 years, Michael had been employed by Sikorsky Aircraft, where he worked as an engineer in the initial development of the UH60 Blackhawk program and as the Korean and Japanese International Program Manager before his retirement with 44 years of dedicated service. Mr. Melli was a devoted parishioner of St. Mark Church in Stratford and a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8. He was very active with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a Scout Master for many years, as well as, an active volunteer with both the Merton House and Lord's Kitchen. Michael found great enjoyment going to the casinos and special times spent vacationing in Aruba. However, the times he cherished most were those spent with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his children, Michael E. Melli, Jr and his wife Ann of Trumbull, Karen Ferraro and her husband Al, Jr. of Stratford and Lisa DiNardo and her husband Peter of Stratford, six cherished grandchildren, Michael E. Melli, III and his wife Sanskruti, Christopher Melli and his wife Jo Anna, Albert Ferraro, III, Anthony Ferraro, Matthew DiNardo and Philip DiNardo. He is also survived by a special friend, Pat Geissler of Shelton as well as several nieces and nephews, most affectionately Jon and Anne Mercurio. He was predeceased by his brother, Ralph Melli and sisters, Ida Mercurio and Josephine Carnoroli and niece Judy Mensel Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 10, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mark Church, Stratford for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment with full military honors will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may greet the family on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com