Name: Visitation for Thomas Michael Melo
Start: 2015-12-10T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-12-10T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors

(continued from previous column) Our family especially thanks 3 groups of friends----Tom's ever loyal FIJI fraternity brothers, numerous legal colleagues including Tom's clients and particularly Tina's FizerBeck family, and our St. Luke's church family----all of these people truly blessed Tom's journey to the River Jordan. The family would also like to thank Tom's doctors and the staff at Gardens of Bellaire, where Tom spent his final years. Finally, a big thanks to Tommy's many private caregivers who have truly been part of our family since 2008, led by Sid Gerber, Olivia Hererra and Myrtle Reid. In addition to his wife and daughters, Tom is survived by his parents Bob and Dot Melo, brother Bobby Melo, nieces Emily and Meghan Melo, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Alvin Bradley, Maggie Bradley, and Dorothy A. Melo, many aunts and uncles, and his first cousin Nic Nicolo, who will be waiting for Tommy in heaven with a fishing pole, and where Scott Kneese has undoubtedly already leased the best hunting places. A memorial service will be held today, Thursday, the 10th of December, in Houston, Texas. A graveside service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 12th of December 2015 at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, Georgia. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family welcomes contributions to the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, an outreach ministry of St. Luke's, 2714 Joanel, Houston, TX 77027; the Alzheimer's Association, Houston and Southeast Texas chapter, 6055 South Loop East, Houston TX 77087; and The Class of 1977 Scholarship Fund, UVa Law School Foundation, 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. For those reading this obituary who did not know Tommy personally, please invite someone you know dealing with dementia---the diagnosed or their caregiver---to lunch or better yet, dinner. (Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25: verse 40)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Melo

Sponsored by Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors.

31 Entries

Greg Bader

February 18, 2021

So embarrassed after discussing this sad news with Bob Nichols at Bracewell. Sorry I mistakenly referred to “Tina” as “Stephanie.”

Another labor law attorney that AGC used before Tom for litigation matters was John Smither of Vinson & Elkins. He also died an untimely death, which also shocked me.

John’s wife with Stephanie, so that’s how I mixed the two names up. Please excuse me if anybody reads this. As I said, I’m embarrassed.

I WAS pleased tonight to see on LinkedIn that Bob Nichols is working with Caroline on a case at Bracewell, so it’s great that she followed her dad into the law. I knew right away it was her, even not given the last name, because I remember how proudly Tom used to talk about his two daughters.
Greg Bader in Eugene

David McDonald

December 3, 2019

Tommy was a great guy. I'm sure he is such in heaven as well. Such a sad occasion for us that had the opportunity to know him. He was a good friend and fraternity brother who was so enthusiastic about being a Fiji and contributed greatly to the fellowship and its causes. He will always be etched in my memory and look forward to being with him again. David McDonald

July 11, 2019

To the Melo family: my apologies for this belated recognition, but I wish to extend my deep condolences. Tom was one of the finest persons I had the experience of dealing with in my years working on OSHA matters. A gentleman who was simply genuine, and sadly one of a very few. May you find peace in the memory of a life well lived, that touched many souls.
Nick L

Kit Schumaker

November 10, 2017

Tommy Melo was the graduate RA in my first year Dorm at UVA (Webb). I was redoing my bookshelves and just opened a beautiful copy of Alice in Wonderland, and inscribed on the front page is "To Kit, Love Tommy Melo". I went to look him up and saw this shocking news...I am now in tears. Remembering what a caring and warm person he was- as a new first year, Tommy was always there for us, he made me feel like there was a "grown up" there looking out for us all. How fortunate was his wife and his family to have been loved by such a wonderful human being! But this must make the loss even harder to live with. I am going to read the book again- Alice in Wonderland. No doubt Tommy gave it to me so I could learn something that he thought would help me at the time.... God bless him and I know he is resting in peace and joy. Kit Kammerer Schumaker, UVA NURS 80

Gregory V. (Greg) Bader

October 10, 2017

I was shocked and saddened today when I was surfing the net, looking for attorneys with whom I'd worked during my 20 years of practice in Houston, mostly at American General, later, of course, becoming a subsidiary of AIG, and came across Tom's obituary.

I can't add much to what's been said about Tom's gifts, but I will say that he was one of the sharpest, and, at the same time, most decent persons I've ever met.

I sought out his advice as a labor attorney in house at least every week. He had an uncanny knack of seeing through cases, providing insight into whether to fight them or settle. I can't believe he was taken so soon, but I am happy that he was surrounded by family and excellent caregivers. Stephanie and all the rest of his family have my deepest sympathies. I wish I had known about his condition earlier, since I would've actually come down to Houston for a last visit with him.

Sincerely,

Greg Bader, retired attorney, Eugene, Oregon

Steve Feldman

March 12, 2017

Dear Tina,

You don't know me, and I had not been in touch with Tom in many years or aware of his condition or untimely passing. You have my deepest sympathies and I am so sad to learn of Tom's death. I knew Tom, more than 20 years ago, as a skilled and trusted attorney while he was at Bracewell & Patterson and I was "in-house" at Mitsubishi International Corporation in New York. I never met Tom in person, but I had the pleasure of working together with him on a number of matters and deeply appreciated his counsel.

I was asked today to help a friend of a client find counsel in Texas and I immediately thought of Tom. I "Googled" Tom's name and found the disheartening news.
Please accept, and extend to your family, my sincere condolences on your loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Sincerely, Steve Feldman

December 12, 2015

Dear Tina, Caroline & Virginia, The story is both sad & inspiring; it brought a wave of emotion & memory. About 9 yrs ago I saw Tommy in line at a Starbucks downtown. I asked, "How are you today?" He told me he was retiring and then, with courage & grace, he explained why. Likewise, Caroline's remarks on the Alzheimer's Advocates Forum are lovely and fitting: http://www.alz.org/forum/profile-melo.asp Mallory & I share Myrtle's wish: "May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, comfort your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Dave & Mallory Agerton

December 11, 2015

Dear Tina,
I am so sorry -
Ann McDaniel

Vianei Braun

December 11, 2015

Dear Tina and Family,

Tom was so very kind to me when I was a young lawyer at Bracewell - he was a great mentor and a great lawyer as well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob Daly

December 11, 2015

Tom was a rare combination of a brilliant and trusted friend. He will be missed by all worked with him.

Pat Hicks

December 10, 2015

A good friend since grammar school, Tommy will be missed by all those who knew him. He was a fine young man and he will never be forgotten. Blessings to his family during this difficult time.

John Crowers

December 10, 2015

Tommy was Mr. UGA and Mr. Fiji when I pledged the fraternity in 1974. It was his kindness though that I'll always remember. He picked me up in his classic convertible Mercedes on my first trip to the fraternity house. He asked me questions and made me feel special. Without a doubt he was a man who was a cut above!

Cindy Fryer Cohen

December 10, 2015

A dear friend since our UGA days who will be greatly missed. Many happy times remembered. Prayers for Tina and the whole family.

Cheryl Aycock-Ramey

December 10, 2015

As one of Tommy's friends/classmates during his Tucker High Schools, he was always special. Everyone knows how smart he was but in addition he was a kind heart. Tommy did not see people as "cool" or not, just someone he could befriend. Even as a teenager, we always knew he was goal oriented.
Rest In Peace my friend.

December 10, 2015

My wife Angie and I attended Tucker High with Tommy. He never had a bad word about anyone and no one ever had a bad word to say about Tommy. We also attended church together at Tucker Methodist. Tommy was a gifted born leader and truly loved everyone. Our condolences to your family during this difficult time.

Angie & Robert Smith

Ann Marie McDonald

December 9, 2015

TINA :I am sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort and peace for you and your girls.

David McDonald

December 9, 2015

I am blessed to have known him. He was always positive and knew how to treat people. He will always be my Fiji brother.

David McDonald (Cumming, GA)

Thomas Routson

December 9, 2015

Tommy was such a fine friend and inspiration. I always enjoyed our discussions at the Tucker HS reunions. He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends.

Nancy and Keith Downey

December 9, 2015

Tommy was a friend to all during our high school years. He was a contributor then and apparently throghtout his healthy years. A good guy and I know he will be missed but is now at peace.

"Tommy enjoying the garden"

Myrtle Reid

December 9, 2015

To the Melo Family,
Tommy loved flowers!! It was a privileged knowing him and a joyful honor serving his needs, his fighting perseverance for life will forever remain a shining example.

Rest well Tommy...

May the peace of God which transcends all understanding comfort your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

Love and Prayers,
Myrtle Reid

December 9, 2015

May the hope found in Gods words out weigh the grief you feel. 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14

December 9, 2015

Tina, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I did not know Tom, but from what I have heard he was a extraordinary person,friend, father and husband. You, Virginia, and Caroline have been through so much this year, but I know your faith will get you through. God's blessings to you all.

Jane Coggin Coats

Donnie Dishaw

December 9, 2015

Tommy lit up a room whenever he entered. He was one of the kindest, most affable gentlemen that I have ever met. Celebrate with Jesus, Tommy, you made it!

Merrill Rome

December 9, 2015

Dear Tina and the girls, it was such a pleasure and honor to work with wonderful Tom Melo during my days at Bracewell. He was truly a Southern gentleman -- so bright and fun and genuine. Sending prayers, hugs and warm thoughts to you and your family during this time of huge loss.

Linda Oates

December 9, 2015

May Tommy rest in peace as he is now free from pain and suffering. Hugs to you Tina for being such a wonderful caregiver.

Ann Ault

December 9, 2015

Tina, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

Mary Donna Bishop

December 9, 2015

While I am happy for Tom that he is now face to face with the Lord and completely restored in every way, I am so very saddened by this loss. I will always remember his kind eyes, smile and demeanor. He treated every individual as the most important person on earth. He was so proud of his family, and I fervently pray that Our Heavenly Father's love will offer some measure of comfort to all of you through this terrible time. With much love, Mary Donna Bishop

Laura & Gary Coplin

December 9, 2015

Tina, our heartfelt prayers are with your & Tommy's families.
Gary & Laura Coplin

Robert Arrington

December 9, 2015

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Tina, Virginia, Caroline and the whole family. Tom was such a special person.

Bob & Debbie Arrington

Judy Conner

December 9, 2015

I came to know Tom when he worked closely with Richard Royds many years ago. Tom always had a beautiful smile and loving heart. He was always a perfect gentleman and so brilliant. He shared that on his sabbatical he was going to take piano lessons. I'm sure he mastered this as he did with everything he chose to do in life. Hold on to all your precious memories. These memories and our Father in Heaven will see you through the days to come. My love and prayers to you all.

Jim Cheeley

December 9, 2015

Tom surely will be missed. What a great, Christian life he led. I am sure his legacy will thrive onward.

Perge

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