Waldon "Wally" Melo, 84, of Columbia and Estero, Florida, husband of Mary (Baldwin) Melo, died Tuesday October 29, 2002 at the Windham Hospital. He was born October 3, 1918 in Willimantic, the son of Frank and Nicolina Melo, was a 1938 graduate of Windham High School and had lived in the Windham area all his life. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Medical Corps, serving in campaigns in Africa and Italy. Mr. Melo owned and operated Melo's Beauty Salon in Willimantic for 45 years. He was a member of several professional organizations including the National Cosmetology Association and the Connecticut Hair Fashion Committee. He was a life member of Elks Lodge #1311 and a member of James J. Shea Post #19, American Legion. He loved to garden and grow orchids as a hobby. In addition to his wife he is survived by 5 children, Thomas Melo of Columbia, Diane King of California, John Melo and his wife Beverly of Ellington, Judy Melo of Manchester, Cindy Somes and her husband Tedd of Bolton, a stepdaughter Jennifer Spector of Lebanon, a brother, Albert Melo of Palm City, FL, a sister, Christine Toler of East Greenwich, RI, 6 grandchildren, Michael, Melissa, Tyler, Jordan, Jim and Liz, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Morrissette) Melo, 2 brothers, Frank and Joseph, 4 sisters, Lena, Rose, Mary and Emma. His family will receive fiends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic TODAY from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the funeral Home on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. prior to the procession to his Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, Willimantic. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church Renovation Fund, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT 06226 or to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492-7522. Please visit
www.potterfh.com
for directions and online registry.