Matthew Melillo

In Loving Memory

Matthew M. Melillo

October 11, 1935 - March 17, 2025

Matthew Michael Melillo, 89, passed away peacefully on March 17 near his home in New City, NY. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marie Therese "Teesie" (McGovern) Melillo, six children and 10 grandchildren.

Born in the Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Matthew and Alfonsina "Ella" Melillo. He was proud of his birthplace which not only afforded him degrees from Cardinal Hayes High School and Iona College, but the opportunity to meet his future wife who grew up only 2 blocks away. He also began his illustrious career in education teaching Science and coaching basketball in the Bronx before moving to Long Island with his Teesie and furthering his career there, earning a Masters Degree and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts. He was a beloved principal and district-wide curriculum developer who positively impacted so many lives with his creative and innovative educational initiatives. Outside of work, Matt was a member of the Air National Guard as well as a leader in the effort to fight racial discrimination in housing on LI. His commitment to volunteerism flourished after his retirement to FL, where he served his community in various roles, including President of the Board.

As accomplished as he was in his chosen profession and volunteer endeavors, Matt will be remembered most for his humor, zest for life and loving nature. Joking and "kibitzing" with friends, family and everyone he came in contact with was a way of life for Matt. He entertained everyone around him with his nicknames and endless stories, making friends of the staff and residents wherever he went. At his last stop, the staff, who called him "loveable", was despondent over his passing. He was not above wearing a head-to-toe bear costume to school as a principal. And he pursued all his interests with passion and creativity, not letting the responsibilities or financial constraints of six children deter his dreams. He was an avid camper, sailer, golfer, scuba diver and nature enthusiast - diving and sailing all over the Carribean and camping throughout the U.S. Some of the family's happiest memories are of their annual 3 week camping trips every August - 8 people in a station wagon and a pop-up camper and tent.

Matt considered the loving family he created with his wife his greatest accomplishment. He is survived by his sister Ann (Melillo) Richardson, and his 6 children: his son, Joe, of Northport, NY, and his 5 daughters, Therese and her husband John Bonfiglio of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Jeanne and her husband Dylan Cross of Hollywood, FL, Christine and the late Richard Schiller of Pelham, NY, Michele Daly of Harrison, NY and Karen Murray of Santa Cruz, CA. He adored and had a special relationship with each of his 10 grandchildren: Christina and Abigail Melillo, Gabriela, Katherine, Alana and Natalie Bonfiglio, David and Ryan Schiller and Kieran and Timothy Daly, and all his nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows, 920 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605 at 11:00 on Saturday, March 22. A reception celebrating Matt's life will follow the service at Westchester Hills Golf Club, 401 Ridgeway Circle, White Plains, NY. Please rsvp via text to Therese at 201-788-3439 if you plan to attend the reception so we have a ballpark number for the venue.

The stories you can share about Matt would be your greatest gift. But if you would like, donations may be made in his memory to Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org or the World Wildlife Fund at www.protect.worldwildlife.org.