Arthur B. "Art" Mello

1918 - 2008

Arthur B. Mello, a lifelong member of Atwater, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at his home with his devoted wife, Louise, by his side. Art was born on November 30, 1918 to Albert and Lena Mello.
Art farmed his ranch for years and then was a Route Salesman for 7 up distributing for 36 years. He had the distinct honor of being recognized in the newspaper as “Mr. Reliable” because he never missed a day of work-7 up ran through his veins! He was a driver in the days when the 7 up bottles were in the 25 pound wooden cases and heavy glass bottles and he pushed that heavy, loaded handcart around like it was as light as a feather. You could see him many weekends at the Festa's laughing and talking with everyone-he was a great friend to many. The last day Art worked was when he was 70 years old and he had a heart attack and had to have a quadruple bypass, which he described to everyone as “a piece of cake”. Art always had the backyard in a bountiful garden with vegetables that he shared with family and friends. As much as he enjoyed sitting in the garden, the love of his life was his family. He looked forward to their visits and especially loved it when his great granddaughter Kaitlynn would bake something especially for him and his sweettooth!
Art was a Life Member of the Y.M.I. Council #80 and their secretary for many years, a member of A.P.C. for 70 years and a Past President, and a member of U.P.E.C. #29 and St. Anthony's Parish all his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Rosa Borges and his sister Louise Vierra.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Louise, his children Bert Mello of Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon and Lena and her husband Rene of Atwater. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Rene J. Mendoza II (Grace) and Kristina Garcia (Paul) and his very special great granddaughter Kaitlynn Garcia.
He also leaves behind many wonderful family and friends.
Although Art has left this earthly place, he will never leave our hearts. He touched so many lives in a special way and, in turn, has allowed us to be able to touch the lives of others in that same way for generations to come. God bless you always!
Special thanks to the Atwater Fire Department for their prompt responses whenever we needed help and to AMG nurse, Linda Jenkins for all of her care and attention. Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Tom Timmings officiating. Burial will follow at Winton District Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church & School, 1799 Winton Way, Atwater, CA 95301.