Thomas J. Mello, Sr.

Rehoboth – Thomas “Tom” J. Mello, Sr., 69, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 17, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Judith “Judy” (Mitchell) Mello. Together they would have celebrated their 45th anniversary on October 2nd. A lifelong resident of Homestead Ave., Rehoboth, he was a son of the late Manuel and Georgianna (Rocha) Mello. Tom grew up working on his parent’s dairy farm and later served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He then attended the University of Maine, Farrier School and served his apprenticeship under James Mitchell of Johnston, RI. Throughout his life, Tom shoed horses at many of the New England area racetracks and most recently at Plainridge Park, where he worked as the farrier for the past several years. Tom’s true passion in life was farming; he enjoyed raising horses, pigs, goats and poultry. Together with his wife Judy and their sons, they owned and operated Rainbow Turkey Farm on Homestead Ave., Rehoboth. Tom also loved spending time with his family, friends and “Cronies”, attending auctions and stopping in at the many area farms and diners. He had a magnetic personality and was always the life of the party, he was a free spirit who was not worried what anyone thought. Tom always demonstrated this at the many family reunions, weddings and get-togethers, by taking over the mic and leading the “Marine March” for his family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his many, many catch phrases, light hearted and easy going ways. Besides his beloved wife, Tom leaves two sons: Thomas “TJ” J. Mello, Jr. and his wife, Crystal of Rehoboth, Gregory N. Mello and his wife, Kara of North Dighton; five grandchildren, Mason, Gage, Reid, Carly and Mary-Kate Mello; five brothers, Dr. Richard Mello, Manuel Mello and James Mello all of Rehoboth, Raymond Mello of Greensburg, PA and Peter Mello of Cincinnati, OH; a sister, Sr. Carole V.M. Mello, Dominican Sister of the Presentation of Fall River; many nieces, nephews and friends. His funeral will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9 a.m. from WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, Coyle Dr., Seekonk. Interment will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Rehoboth. VISITATION will be Friday, September 23, 2016 from 3 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, NY, NY 10004 will be appreciated. TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com

Thomas J. Mello, Sr.

December 1, 1946 - September 17, 2016