Anthony J. Melio

ANTHONY JOSEPH MELIO (Moe , Tony and Pop Pop ) lived a full and gratifying life, mostly in service to others. He died on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at the age of 80 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Tony was born two months pre-maturely on May 13, 1932, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Addolorata (Dorothy) Tabilio and Joseph Melio (both deceased). He was raised in Trenton, New Jersey, attended Trenton Central High School and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, before becoming one of the first employees hired by U.S. Steels Fairless Works. Tony was the loving husband of Anna May. They were married in St. James R.C. Church in Trenton, and happily enjoyed 56 years together. He is survived by three caring children " son, Mark Melio, and his wife, Diane; son, Joseph Melio, and his wife, Karen; and daughter, Sheri Melio. He is also survived by, and he adored, his eight grandchildren " Andrew, Paul, Anna, Jimmy, Julia, Eric, Pelle and Sarah. Two dogs " Mitzie and Oliver (both deceased) " rounded out the household. Tony was a lifelong Democrat, and a Bristol Township Commissioner for the Ninth Ward for nearly two decades. He was elected as the Democratic Member of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 141st District in 1986, and served in that position until his retirement from the House in 2010. Tony was Chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee; served on the Insurance and the Appropriations Committees; and was a proud member of the Italian-American Caucus. He had a perfect attendance record for 24 years in the House; helped draft and enact meaningful legislation; raised funds for war veterans, local rescue squads and fire departments; and cherished serving his constituents. Tony served on the boards of both St. Marys Hospital and Lower Bucks Hospital. Tony was an usher and faithful parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Levittown. He enjoyed organizing numerous Catholic mens retreats in Malvern, Pennsylvania. He could be heard booming Hey, We Got Pizza Pie for many years at the Pizza Stand at St. Mikes Fair. He was a devoted patron of DeLorenzos Tomato Pies on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton; loved summers at the beach with his family; and enjoyed playing card games (most of all, Hearts ). Tony was a strong supporter of the Silver Lake Nature Center, and sponsored local youth sports teams. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. While a State Legislator, he enrolled in several courses at The Pennsylvania State University, and he loved the Nittany Lions. Services will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 66 Levittown Parkway, Levittown with a viewing from 4 until 8 p.m. on Monday, July 23rd, and at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24th, followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael the Archangel Church.