John Mellow
Bradford, R.I. — John Howard Mellow, 87, of Bradford, R.I., passed away peacefully at home Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, with his beloved dogs, Molly and Guy, by his side.
John was born in Clarksville, Oct. 21, 1932, to the late Ernest Mellow Sr. and Helen (Wright) Mellow. He lived most of his life in Stonington, where he raised his three children with his former wife Carol (Meringolo). He was predeceased by both his former wife and his daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Mellow, as well as three brothers: Ernest Jr., David and William; three sisters: Mary, Eleanor and Olive: and stepfather Ernest Deuel.
As a sergeant first class (SFC) in the U.S. Army, John served from 1950 to 1952, during the Korean War, and then, for 30+ years, he served with the National Guard. He was a member of the 705th AAA Battalion Rhode Island National Guard Battery D and the Connecticut National Guard. He loved his country dearly and his service in the military was one of his proudest achievements.
John was an avid volunteer throughout his life. He was excited to give back to the community as a Boy Scouts of America cub master, Pee Wee football coach, Stonington Little League baseball coach, Stonington High School booster member, member of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society and many other local groups.
John worked in Stonington as a salesman for Seaport Ford before being hired as a weight estimator at General Dynamics Electric Boat. He retired after completing more than 20 years of tenure with the company. After retirement, John played as an extra in the filming of the movie “Amistad,” at Mystic Seaport.
John’s greatest joy in life was his family and nothing made him happier than spending time with them. He is survived by his children: Jay and his wife Sharon of Stonington, and Lisa of Stonington; his two grandsons, Jason and his wife Mardi of Pawcatuck and Michael and his wife Stacey of North Stonington; three great-granddaughters, Haylee Mellow of Pawcatuck, Bryn and Keira Anderson of North Stonington; and one great-grandson Nathan John Mellow of North Stonington; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Mystic Funeral Home, located on Route 1 (51 Williams Ave.) in Mystic. A funeral cortege will assemble at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, from the funeral home, and travel to River Bend Cemetery in Westerly for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
To leave an online message of condolence, and/or to ask for directions to the funeral home, the Mellow family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com.