Rachaele Melillo, 91

08/15/2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Rachaele Gina Martin Melillo, 91, died on August 15, 2026, in Hendersonville, NC. Born in North Adams, MA on June 17, 1935, she was the daughter of Virginia Maria (Merlini) and Earle “Buster” Watson Martin.

A graduate of North Adams schools, Rachaele was known in the community from her employment with England Brothers Clothing and managing the desk at the Northern Berkshire YMCA. She also worked at Excelsior Printing and Engraving

On July 3, 1954, Rachaele married Anthony Dominick Melillo at Immaculate Conception Church and Shrine in New Lebanon, NY. Together they raised a family and were active in the community and communicants of Saint Anthony’s Church, now Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Family meant the world to Rachaele. We know her heart was full to have her family be together at the most recent wedding of one of her many grandchildren. She was also passionate about caring for animals and loved her Boston Terrier, Lacey - "Her Baby".

Rachaele will be greatly missed by her adoring children, Linda (David) Chase of Hendersonville, NC, Anthony Melillo of North Adams, and Michelle (Edward) O’Toole of Grafton, MA; her loving grandchildren, Heather Sylva, Brad (Alisha) Chase, Anthony Melillo, Christa (Shaun) Gariepy, Joseph (Ashlei) Melillo, Connor (Jillian) O’Toole, Makenzie (Jake) Halloran, Cameron (Shelbe) O’Toole and Molly (Darian) Spencer; great grandchildren, Liliana Sylva, Aurelia Sylva, Olivia Chase, Chloe Chase, Miles Gariepy, Reed Gariepy, Addison O’Toole, Maeve O’Toole and Caroline O’Toole.

She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Melillo, who died in September of 2001, and her sisters Priscilla Estabrooks and Barbara O’Brien.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Rachaele Melillo will be Saturday August 22, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPEL, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA followed by a graveside service at 11:00 AM in Southview cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com

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Rachaele Melillo, 91

Memorials

Linda and family, Sincere condolences on your mom’s passing. She was a very sweet woman. May her memory be for a blessing. (Linda, you look so much like your lovely mom too!)
from: Debbie Wineberg	on: 08-19-2026

I'm so sorry to read this! Lots of laughs with your mom over the years. Sending prayers of comfort to you all!
from: Maureen Taft Moore	on: 08-19-2026

Someone caught the perfect picture. Made me smile as I could almost hear her laugh. Tears, prayers and thoughts are with you.
from: Susan Lefaver	on: 08-19-2026

Rachaele was always positive and cheerful staffing a very busy desk at the Y, and I enjoyed working with her there(1977-78). My sympathies to the Melillo family.
from: Jim Conboy	on: 08-19-2026

I am saddened by the passing of Rachelle, We worked for many years at the YMCA. I remember the great time we with her and husband there. She had a passion for the community of North Adams. My prayers are with you all.
from: Nanette Schmidt	on: 08-19-2026

I’m so sorry to see of Rachaele passing, we knew her and Tony for years, great people. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Melillo family. Dave & Sue Emery
from: Dave & Sue	on: 08-19-2026

We're so sorry to hear of this loss. She was a special person. I remember her from years ago.
from: Pam &. Tom Kidder	on: 08-18-2026

Rachaele will be missed - She was a friend of the family and now I suspect that she is with Tony and having a few laughs with Harold ( Babe ) & Joan Carsno - Our deepest sympathies to the Melillo Famiy - We will always remember her smile and laugh
from: James & Cynthia Burdick	on: 08-18-2026

Rest well, Rae, and hello to Tony...
from: Herman Bishop	on: 08-18-2026