Alfred George Mello Jr.

Alfred G. Mello, Jr. was born on July 17, 1938 and passed away unexpectedly at home on November 19, 2023. He was born in Billerica, MA, son of Ret Lt Col Alfred G. Mello, Sr. and Mary Neville Mello. Al was a loving husband to Luanne, devoted father to Chip, wonderful grandfather to Mitchell and Sean, and a cherished friend of so many. Al was a man of remarkable character and unwavering kindness. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Al had a fierce love of our country as the son a career military officer. As a young man, he moved with his mother and father from Billerica, MA to Riverside, CA, Mineral Wells, TX, El Paso, TX, and eventually North Little Rock, AR where he completed high school in 1956. He as able to take his love of Scouting on all his journeys, and eventually earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He had a love for the outdoors and camping.

After graduating high school, he went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied engineering and rowed on the crew team. Later, he came back to Dallas and attended Southern Methodist University earning bachelors and masters degrees in Industrial Engineering. He loved working for Texas Instruments for many years before launching out on his own with the Mello Company. He loved the entrepreneurial and engineering challenges of running a small manufacturing company combined with being a manufacturer’s representative for electronics production equipment. He was known for his diligence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. During this time, he met Eunice, and they had an only son, Alfred G. “Chip” Mello, III, whom they adored. While both went on to remarry, Al and Eunice remained in touch throughout their lives.

Some years later he attended his 40th year North Little Rock high school reunion, where he re-connected his former classmate, Luanne Middlebrooks. For some time, they enjoyed a long distance courtship between Al’s home in Dallas and Luanne’s home of Tampa, Florida. After a few years, they were married and lived a happy life in Dallas with friends and family. They enjoyed traveling together and sharing their lives together.

Al lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, and a passion for enriching the lives of those around him. In recent years, he pursued his Catholic faith journey at St. Rita’s parish where he was an active member in Christ Renews His Parish and the Senior Men’s Ministry. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. He was a very giving man, always at the ready to help family, friends, or other in need. He enjoyed preparing and delivering food for the people at the Austin Street shelter in Dallas. He also enjoyed spending time with the residents there, just sitting listening to their stories, and being their friend. His dedication to his family was unmatched, and his love for them knew no bounds. He was a role model, imparting invaluable lessons through his actions, kindness, and unspoken guidance. Al's vibrant spirit, clever sense of humor, and warm demeanor made him a beloved figure within his community. His readiness to lend a helping hand and his infectious laughter touched the hearts of everyone he encountered, especially at the jigsaw puzzle table in his most recent home at Christus – St. Joseph in Coppell, TX.

Al is very loved and will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by Luanne, his loving wife of 24 years, his son Chip, and grandsons, Mitchell and Sean.

A celebration of Al's life will be held on 12/11/23 at 11 am, St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Dallas and a memorial for their beloved community at Christus – St. Joseph’s, on 12/2/23 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul, a cause close to Al's heart.

Al’s departure has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him. His legacy of love, compassion, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his presence.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.