George Mello, 85, of Bristol, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at home. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jane (Wilson) Mello for 62 years.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late John Sylvestre Mello and late Maria Isabel (da Ponte) Mello. George was a 1956 graduate of Bristol High School where he played football, managed the varsity basketball team, and acted in the school musical Marrying Marion. He graduated from Providence College in 1960, earning an A.B. in Education and participated in ROTC/Reserves. He earned a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Rhode Island. George was an educator in the Portsmouth School System for more than 30 years and retired as Guidance Director of Portsmouth High School.

George was an active member of both the National Education Association (NEA) and local Rhode Island (NEARI) chapter. He served in a variety of leadership roles including the National Executive Board, representing NEARI throughout the U.S. and NEA internationally in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Nigeria, Moscow, Berlin, Puerto Rico, and Jakarta.
George learned to ski as an adult, skiing not only at his favorite Gunstock Mountain in NH, but also Mount Tremblac (Canada) and the Swiss Alps. He loved bicycle riding, biking with his wife ‘Janie’ and their group of friends throughout various places in Europe. He was active in the establishment of the East Bay Bike Path. George’s travels took him around the globe: on safari in Africa, RV tour in the wilds of Alaska, and even as a crew member on a double-masted schooner.

He had many friends and made new ones everywhere he went – the grocery store, a drive to Colt Park, a wedding. His long-time friend noted his innate facility for communication, “He was a truly good man with a huge heart and will be sorely missed.”

An avid fan of the PC Friars’ basketball team and former season-ticket holder, George rarely missed a televised or radio announced game and attended his last game in-person at the Dunk during the 2022-23 season. A highlight for him was watching Lenny Wilkens lead the Friars to their first-ever title game at the 1960’s NIT at Madison Square Garden.

For all his accomplishments, George was most proud of his family: four daughters, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Wilson) Mello of Bristol; daughters, Jenifer May (late Peter May) of Bristol; Cynthia Mace and her husband Earle of Wakefield, RI; Patricia Fletcher and her husband Patrick of Bristol; and Julie Mello and her partner Christopher Peara of San Diego, CA. Grandfather of Justine (Peter) Murray of Montana; Ian Mace (Annie) of Houston, TX, Drew and Seth Mace of Wakefield, RI, Samantha (Shawn) Blankenship and Lauren (Jake) Milne all of Bristol, RI, Jillian May of Boston, Eliza May of New York, and Faith May of North Andover, MA. Three great grandchildren: Isabel and Will Murray; Noah Blankenship; and his sister, Margaret (Mello) Lunney. He was the brother of the late John F. Mello.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI, where the family will receive relatives and friends for Visitation on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main St. Warren, RI at 10 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s honor to the RI Community Food Bank (www.rifoodbank.org).

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.