Tony F. Mello, Jr.

Tony F Mello, Jr. of Watsonville passed away on December 4, 2013 at Dominican Hospital with his family at his side, at 87 years of age. Tony was born in Ferndale, CA, to Antonio F Mello and Olivia (Costa) Mello. In the 1930s his father moved the family to their dairy in Palo Alto. Tony always liked to say he went through Stanford University; of course, he was driving through the University to deliver milk from their dairy to the local creamery. In the early 1940s his father moved the family to a dairy farm near Dos Palos, CA. In 1949 he married the love of his life, Sarafina Alice Costa. On January 30, 2014 they would have celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Tony used to say that they never spent a night apart. After marriage, Tony owned Flying M Dairy, outside of Dos Palos. In 1960 he moved the family to the Willamonte Ranch near Wadsworth, NV, managing the ranch operations. In 1962 the family moved to Scotts Valley, CA where he became General Manager of Santa Cruz Dairy Farms. After a number of years there, Tony did a stint with Kings County Truck Lines, and then took the job of Production Manager at Meadow Gold Dairies Creamery in downtown Watsonville. In 1973 Tony moved his family to their current family home in Watsonville. Tony was relocated to Salt Lake City, UT, for 6 years, to manage the Meadow Gold Creamery there after the closing of the Watsonville plant. He retired in 1986, moving back to their home in Watsonville after a yearlong RV trip across the US.

Tony enjoyed raising livestock throughout his career and retirement, and RV travel, including annual trips to Quartzite, AZ. They enjoyed travel including cruise trips, and on more than one occasion visited Spain, Portugal and the Azores. Tony was passionate about his Azorean heritage, serving and traveling California as SES Supreme President in 1991, following the footsteps of his father-in-law, John Costa, who was SES President in 1981, which is now known as PFSA. He was a Grange member for 66 years, serving as Master many years at Aptos Grange. He was also a member of Prunedale Grange. He was an avid Oakland Raiders and Notre Dame Football fan. For many years he enjoyed playing cards with his compadres every Thursday at the Aptos Grange Hall. He was a member many organizations including; Knights of Columbus, a Charter Member of Dos Palos YMI, Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA), Woodmen of the World, Brotherhood of St. Anthony, Watsonville ISTW, ISMM, and an Honorary Member of Santa Cruz CPDES.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Sara Mello, their children: David Mello (Mary) of Scotts Valley, CA, Elaine Kulm (Jerry) of Saratoga, CA, Karen Jensen (Jim) of Murray, Utah, and Anthony Mello (Ingrid) of Glenwood, Minnesota. He leaves behind a total of 12 grandchildren: Jeff and Eric Mello, Laura Hardy, Julie and Katrina Kulm, Janae Knighton, Shannon Jensen, Anna and Joseph Mello, Jason, Jeremy and Jeffrey Blackmun and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John, Alvaro, Joe and sister Olivia. Tony was a beloved husband and father, he said what he meant, and meant what he said. He lived his life as an honorable and compassionate man, an example to all who knew him.

A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial to follow,will be celebrated at Resurrection Catholic Church, 7600 Soquel Dr, Aptos CA, on Tuesday December 17, 2013 at 9:30am. Visitation will be at 9 am prior to the Rosary. Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery will be at 2pm. Contributions in honor of Tony’s life may be made to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Service, 286 W. Main St., Turlock, CA. (209) 634-4904, www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com.