George DeMello

FALMOUTH — George DeMello, 85, a former Falmouth selectman and community volunteer, died on Jan. 24, 2010 at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth. He was 85.

He was the husband of Claire M. DeMello for 55 years.

A lifelong resident of Falmouth, he was the son of Alphonse and Mary (Motta) DeMello of Teaticket. He was born at his parents' home in Teaticket.

He was an Eagle Scout who graduated from Lawrence High School in 1947.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and in the Korean War.

He and his wife built and then operated the Capewind Motor Lodge for 26 years, selling it in the mid-1980s. He served on the board of directors of the Massachusetts Hotel-Motel Association during this time.

In addition to his serving as selectman, he was very active in the community, also serving on the Falmouth Finance Committee, the School Building Needs Committee, and active with the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.

A former president of the Teaticket Civic Association, he also served on the board of directors of the Samaritans.

Mr. DeMello was a longtime member of the Portuguese-American Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club, and until very recently on the Otis Civilian Advisory Council.

Physically active, he was a runner in the Falmouth Road Race for 18 years and was an exercise leader for a YMCA program in Falmouth. For all of these endeavors, Mr. DeMello was named Falmouth Citizen of the Year in 1990.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lisa A. Garrison of Falmouth; two grandchildren Amy L. Campbell and Max R. Garrison, also of Falmouth. He also leaves two brothers, Lawrence DeMello and John A. DeMello; three sisters, Edith McKean, Veronica Soares, and Lorraine Witter, all of Falmouth; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey G. DeMello.

Visiting hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main St., Falmouth center. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Anthony's Church, 167 East Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth. Burial will follow in the St. Anthony's Cemetery.

For online guest book, directions & obituary please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.