Anthony D. Melillo

09/21/2001

Anthony Dominick Melillo, 74, of 20 Bradley St. died Friday at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston after a brief illness. Born in North Adams on May 20, 1927, son of Anthony J. and Anna DeMarco Melillo, he graduated from Drury High School in 1945. A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the Navy on July 4, 1945, and served as a seaman second class V-6 on the Aircraft Carrier USS Sicily. Mr. Melillo was employed by the former Arnold Print Works in Adams for 22 years, beginning as a color boy in the printing department. He also worked at Excelsior Process and Engraving Co. for 19 years, retiring in 1991. A professional wedding and portrait photographer and graphic arts cameraman, he did commercial work in his home until October 1968, when he founded Studio One Photography at 27 1/2 Park St., which he operated until 1978. A fitness and physical exercise enthusiast, he received a two-state weightlifting championship and won the title of Mr. Western Massachusetts, both in 1954. After his retirement in 1991, he served as a fitness instructor at Berkshire West and at the Holiday Inn. Mr. Melillo was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. In 1979, he was appointed a Berkshire County deputy sheriff, a position he maintained until his death. He volunteered at the Northern Berkshire YMCA and with its fitness programs for many years, and enjoyed collecting law enforcement memorabilia. He leaves his wife, the former Rachaele Martin, whom he married July 3, 1954, at Immaculate Conception Church and Shrine in New Lebanon, N.Y.; two daughters, Linda Melillo Chase of Sudbury and Michelle Melillo O'Toole of North Grafton; a son, Anthony Melillo of North Adams, and nine grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 10 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at Our Lady of Mercy Shrine, 1290 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams, celebrated by the Rev. Daniel J. O'Hear, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours at the funeral home will be tomorrow, Sept. 25, from 4 to 8.

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