Obituary of Joseph M. Melita

Deacon Joseph Mariano Melita, age 95, of Redding, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 14, 2018. Born on the East Side of Bridgeport on April 22, 1923, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Lucia Tracia Melita. He was a member of the Harding High School Class of 1940, and at the age of 18 years, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served 55 missions from 1943-1945 with the 8th Air Force, 36th Bomb Group (RAFU). In 1946 he married Bernice (Bonny) Zaleski, and worked as a tool and die maker at Singer Manufacturing, Remington Arms and DuPont. At St. Raphael Church, he became a Deacon in 1978 and has had 40 years of continuous service; including Baptisms, Weddings and providing Pastoral Care at St. Vincent Medical Center. Deacon Melita was a Scout Leader for over 35 years and was a Sunday school principal at St. Margaret Shrine. He will be fondly remembered by his family as a devoted husband, a dedicated Yankee Fan, an excellent cook, and a great dancer. In addition to his beloved wife of 72 years, Bonny, survivors include his sister, Santina Oliveras, his six children, Joseph Melita, Nancy Paone, Danny Melita, Sally Feuerberg, Mary Melita and Terry Tatta. He is also survived by his 13 cherished grandchildren, Dana Melita-Greene and Chad Melita, Amanda Keppler, Alison Carroll and Dan Melita, Melody Paone and Jonah Paone, Danni Michelle Melita, Billy Martinsky, Jr. and David Martinsky, Linton Melita and Joseph Melita and Luke Tatta, six great grandchildren, Aeden, Lily, Naia and Finn Carroll, Austin and Cara Melita and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Cathy Ellen and his brother Thomas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Margaret's Shrine, 2523 Park Ave, Bridgeport. The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport will be the principal celebrant and Deacon Don Foust will be the homilist. Interment with full military honors will follow in Long Hill Burial Grounds, Trumbull. Visitation will take place on Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in St. Margaret's Shrine. Arrangements entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Donation Processing, Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.