Obituary of Joseph J. Mella

Joseph J. Mella, 88, of Manchester Township passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born and raised in Staten Island, New York before residing in Manchester for the last 21 years. 

Joe was a military veteran who had a successful career at Western Electric and AT&T as a plant manager before retiring and continuing as an independent in the construction field.

His numerous talents extended beyond his career. A natural and self-taught expert craftsman and a jack of all trades, Joe possessed a remarkable ability to build, fix, and maintain anything. No job was too big or complex and any project requiring skills with gas, electric, plumbing, carpentry and auto mechanics were all in his wheelhouse.

Joe was a devout man of faith who had a strong passion for sports and cooking. He was well known for his master culinary skills making homemade pasta and his signature Frutti di mare dish. As an avid NY Giants, Mets, and Ranger’s fan he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his teams, sharing his love of sports with family and friends. An excellent golfer and bowler with an ultra-sharp mind and uncanny ability to solve the most complex crossword puzzles and answer the most obscure questions on Jeopardy.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband and a loving father, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and unwavering love for his family.

Joe is survived by his wife Anita of sixty-four years; three children, Joe and his wife Cathy, Robert and his wife Denise, and MaryJo and her husband Frank and six cherished grandchildren; Christopher, Robert, Nicole, Danielle, Olivia, and Jessica.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 9:30 AM for the procession to his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township.  In lieu of flowers, you can send donations to the Padre Pio Foundation of America 463 Main Street Cromwell, CT. 06416.  For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com