ARTHUR W. "Archie" MELLACE

MELLACE, Arthur W. "Archie" Age 85, of Peabody, MA, the loving father, grandfather, and devoted husband and high school sweetheart of the late Susan F. Mellace, passed away on March 29th. Born in Revere, MA, Archie was the son of the late Francesco and Antoinetta Mellace and was the brother of predeceased sisters and brothers, Angela Alessi, Adelaide DelloRusso, Angela Kiss, Anthony Mellace, John Mellace, Louis Attenasio, and Vincent Attenasio. Archie was a graduate of Revere High School; played football, basketball, baseball, and was awarded Outstanding Player in the Boston League. Later, he coached the basketball team and was the assistant coach of the football team at Revere High. At Suffolk University, he graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame as a talented basketball player. Archie earned a Master Degree in Education at Boston State College. He attended Framingham State University and earned a Master Degree in Computer Science and a Certificate in Art. Dedicated to a career in education, Archie taught social studies, art, and physical education at Revere High School. He coordinated a High School Work Study Program, placing students in various jobs, while the students earned their diplomas. He was Vice Principal at the Garfield Elementary School. Archie was President of the School Administrators' Union and retired as Vice Principal of Revere High School. Archie's love of basketball led him to become an accomplished basketball referee in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and in the Division One, National College Athletic Association. Archie was President of the Collegiate Basketball Officials' Association (CBOA). The Board of Directors named Archie the recipient of the Russ Beisswanger CBOA Leadership Award, among the most prestigious honors bestowed on a referee in America. He was a Life Member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Annual Converse North Shore Basketball Coaches Banquet. Caring about the community, Archie became President of Kiwanis, participating in his favorite event, the Special Olympics. He was a faithful donor to the food pantry at St. Adelaide's Church and The Vietnam Veterans Association. Archie is survived by two daughters and sons-in-laws, Gina Gagnon-Carter and Richard Carter of Midlothian, VA and Michele and Richard Morelli of Yarmouth Port, MA; and a grandson and his wife, David Arthur Mellace Gagnon and Lucy Seyfarth of Fairfax, VA; and companion, Paulette Autori of West Newbury, MA. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St., REVERE on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Graveside Prayer Service at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody at noon. Masks and social distancing are required at all times. A private gathering will be held for the family following Prayer Service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Arthur Mellace's name to: Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752. For guestbook, please visit www.buonfiglio.com Paul Buonfiglio & Sons-Bruno

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