Wayne Scott Mello

Wayne Scott Mello

April 6, 1948 – September 14, 2025

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts

"Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same. But, as God calls us one by one the chain will link again"

-unknown

On September 14, 2025 we lost our beloved Wayne. The son of Louis Mello of Fall River, MA and Edith Priest Mello of Fall River, MA. He passed away in Gardner, Massachusetts at the age of 77 surrounded by love. That day an extraordinary person left this world, and all of us are the better for having known him. Wayne battled Parkinson's disease for years and never said a negative thing about why this dreadful disease had befallen him. Rather, he was always concerned about the impact it was having on his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Lynn Marie Whalen Mello, daughter Michelle Elizabeth Mello Bartlett, precious granddaughter Apryl Marie Norton, sisters – Cheryl and husband Bob Whalley, Paula (deceased) and husband Geoff Potts, Gayle and husband John Coumeau, Kathy and husband Louis Carreiro, Nancy and husband John Cormier- brothers: Keith and wife Maria Mello, Eric Mello (deceased) and Todd Mello. He also had close connections with his in-law brothers and sisters: James and Janet Whalen, Brian (deceased) and Joyce Whalen, Neil Whalen and Mark Whalen. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Wayne grew up in a large family with his five sisters and three brothers whom he cherished and a mom he adored. He graduated from BMC Durfee High School, Fall River, MA and it was during this time in his life he learned to love boating – particularly sailing. Shortly after high school, Wayne served in the military as an Army Combat Engineer earning several medals and was honorably discharged.

After his military service, Wayne continued his education earning a bachelor of science degree in Economics and Finance from Bryant University, Smithfield, RI. This was followed by a very exciting and successful career in the hospitality industry where he was recognized quickly for his talent and received many promotions. He worked as a General Manager for both private hotel groups as well as corporategroups such as Marriott, Best Western, and Holiday Inn. This created incredible opportunities for his family to live in many different beautiful areas including Newport, RI North Conway, NH Newburyport, MA Sayre, PA and Mystic, CT.

Additionally, while working in the hospitality industry he was also recruited by several consulting firms based out of Chicago, earned a real estate and appraisers license, served as president: Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Preservation Society. However, nothing was more challenging and rewarding than starting a business to establish several restaurants in Hilton Head, SC and central Florida with an amazing group of people. This adventure was followed by a move back to New England where Wayne and his family settled down in a picturesque New Hampshire town where Wayne decided to keep working and choose the O'Charley/99 Restaurant group until his retirement. Retirement was enjoyed spending time with family and friends where Wayne was always up for gatherings and spending time on the water.

Throughout all his adventures in business nothing compared to the joy of being a father, and a grandfather and having a wonderful life with his wife and all of his family. Wayne – funny, intelligent, loving, caring, witty, hard-working, tough, self-less – in all ways that matter, a truly great person.

Gone in body, but present in our hearts.