David D. Mele, 94

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — David Daniel Mele, 94, formerly of Pittsfield and Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lee.

He was born in Pittsfield on November 6, 1922, the son of the late Antonio and Amelia Timpano Mele. He was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School. He served in the United States Army from February 1943 until his discharge in February 1946.

Dave had worked as a steel and copper engraver for the former Eaton Paper Company; was the owner and operator of Mama Mele's Restaurant in Cheshire for many years; and had lastly worked as an auto salesman for Leo's Auto Sales. He was a communicant of the former Mount Carmel Church in Pittsfield, as well as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Arizona. He was an accomplished jazz musician and played the bass violin.

David is survived by his twin sister, Philomena Rose Martin of Lee; his brother, Patrick Mele of Pittsfield, many nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great-nephews; and his guardian, Geralyn Jones of Lanesborough.

He was predeceased by his sister, Esther O’Neil; his brother, Nicholas Mele; his sister-in-law, Irene Mele; and his brother-in-law, Samuel Martin.

Funeral notice: Calling hours will be Monday, May 8, 2017, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mark Church, with Rev. David E. Aufiero, Parochial Vicar, officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the funeral home.