John A. Mele

John A. Mele Jr., 91, longtime Wethersfield resident, loving husband to the late Jewel (Banack) Mele for 61 years at her passing in 2019, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023. Born on July 17, 1931 in Hartford, John was one of four children of the late John A. Sr. and Josephine (Paternostro) Mele. He was raised in Wethersfield, graduating from Wethersfield High School, class of 1949.

John proudly served our country during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army. Upon his return from the military, John, along with his father, founded Premier Cleaners of Wethersfield. John later opened Premier of Newington, where he was a proud, well-known, owner / operator, dedicated to serving the community for over 60 years. John also was a hometown hero as a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department from 1956 ~ 1967. He was an avid golfer and founding member of the Wethersfield Country Club; where he could be found on the course a minimum five days a week. He was a car collector as well, which includes his pride and joy to this day, his “original” Red, 1964 Ford Galaxy 500 Convertible. John was a faithful communicant of the Church of the Incarnation, Wethersfield. His greatest joy was his family and all the time they shared together.

John will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of his loving family. He is survived by two daughters, Pamela A. Martin with her husband Chris, of Wethersfield and Michele Mele of East Hartford; three adored grandchildren, Nicole Castelli with her husband Eric, Ivy Farina and Ashley Farina and two cherished great grandchildren, Thomas and Ava. In addition, John leaves two cousins, Henry Daversa and Anne Pié, as well as many in-laws and extended family members. Along with his parents, John was predeceased by his siblings, Carmella “Mella” Mele, Michael B. “Mike” Mele, and Nicholas “Nick” Mele.

Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the family on Monday, June 12 from 4-6 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 13 at 11 a.m. directly in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Interment with military honors will follow the Mass in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery (Section J), 1 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield. To extend online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.