Andrew Joseph Mello III

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 3:00 PM in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Andrew Joseph Mello, III, 58, who passed away Friday, February 9, 2007. Andy passed away suddenly, unexpectedly but peacefully and without pain of a massive stroke while working on the Mississippi River. Reverend Todd Menard, Pastor of Family Life Church and Reverend Tom Dodge, close family friend, will conduct the funeral services. Music will be provided by Greg Presnull, with selections of music he enjoyed from listening to his Father-in-law, Jim Arterbury sing with his gospel quartet. The eulogy will be given by his cousin Milton Boudreaux. Interment will take place in Holy Mary, Mother of God Cemetery, where he will be buried with his son Jason. Andrew Joseph Mello, III was born on July 5, 1948 in Breckenridge, Texas to Emma Hebert Mello and Andrew Joseph Mello, Jr. He graduated from Northside High School in 1968. He received an Electrical Tech Diploma from T.H. Harris Vocational School in Opelousas in 1970. Andrew was employed in the early 1970's with the local TV stations, KLFY, KATC and KLIN-15. He was employed 13 years with Welex and Halliburton. He was also a self-employed photographer. He was presently employed with Bisso Towing, Co. of New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Gale Mello of Lafayette; sons, Brennan and wife, Alison Mello of Lafayette and Jared and wife, Niki Mello of Duson; daughters, Candace Mello of Lafayette and Lindsy Lueck of Scott; grandsons, Drew, Hayden, Mason and Leyton Mello; granddaughters, Victoria Mello and Megan Leuck; his sister, Germaine and husband, Gerald Miller of Cankton; step-mother, Viola Mello of Opelousas; and step-brother, Hurshel and wife, Jeanette Leger of Opelousas; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who knew him as 'Unkee'. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Jason Kent Mello. Sometimes life's journey takes unexpected turns, where a profound tragedy can bring new life, where we have the power to make something positive come from an otherwise terrible situation. That is the gift of organ and tissue donation. Andy continued his spirit of giving to others after his death by donating his liver to someone who was very ill and near death, as well as, other body organs for research. The family would like Andy's friends to consider being an organ donor by contacting LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency). The family wishes to thank his co-workers at Bisso Towing and his boss Scott for helping get Andy from the tug boat, across the Mississippi River, to the ambulance on the levee and then to the hospital with great speed and care; the Staff at Ochsner's at Kenner on Jefferson Hwy for their compassionate care of Andy and their honesty and openness with the family when decisions had to be made; Andy's biker buddies for riding by his side and helping him fulfill his dream and obsession; to the staff at Mello Joy on Jefferson Street for putting up with his ritual morning coffee run; the staff at T-Coon's on Jefferson Street for keeping him fed and to his friends at Marley's for giving him a place to be himself. His family will miss his special gifts of humor and wit, which kept us laughing but also embarrassed us at the same time, his telling it to us straight and his unconditional love which we will always keep in our hearts. He would want us to share his favorite advice of how to get along in life and that is: Always say 'Yes Ma'am, You're right, I'm Sorry.' We love you Pop. The family requests that visiting hours be observed Tuesday from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM and continue Wednesday from 8:00 AM until time of service. The Rosary will be recited by his cousin Filton Boudreaux, Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 7:00 PM. Personal condolences may be sent to the Mello family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of all funeral arrangements.