James Anthony Mello

MELLO, James Anthony James Anthony Mello, 85, passed away on (May 27, 2006). He was born in Riverpoint, RI on November 8, 1920, son of the late Frank and Anna (Ray) Mello. He was predeceased by his wife, Winifred Jacqueline (Castle) Mello. He was survived by a sister, Elsie (Mello) Piaczyk of Dallas, TX, and a brother, John Mello of Fountain Hills, AZ, and was predeceased by ten brothers and sisters. He graduated West Warwick High School and was inducted into the West Warwick High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended LaSalle Military Academy prior to enrolling at the University of Notre Dame. He was a three-year starter on the Notre Dame varsity football team (1942, 1943, 1946), including the 1943 and 1946 National Championship teams. His attendance at Notre Dame was interrupted by two years of service in the United States Navy. He also was the starting fullback in the 1947 College All-Stars game versus the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. His five-year NFL career included seasons with the Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. He served for many years as the Director of Physical Education at the Mansfield (CT) Training School for Special Needs Children and was instrumental in helping to establish the first Special Olympics through the Kennedy Foundation and devoted many years to the Connecticut Special Olympics. In 1985, he received the Harvey G. Foster Award from the Notre Dame Alumni Association, an award presented to those who have distinguished themselves through civic or University activities, and a member of the University of Notre Dame Monogram Club. He retired in 1986 and moved to Mesa, Arizona. He is survived by four children, Debra Woodward of Gilbert, AZ, Pam Perea, of Apache Junction, AZ, Timothy Mello, of Mesa, AZ, and James J. Mello, of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Jacqueline Woodward, of Mesa, AZ, Lisa Mello Handfield, of Lebanon; Eileen Mello Maglio of New London, and James A. Mello, of Lebanon; and six great grandchildren. A private graveside service will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery in South Bend, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517.